Dental X-rays: the fine line between diagnosis and business

Dental X-rays: the business of oral health

A few decades ago, a dental X-ray meant putting on a lead apron and receiving a minimal dose. Today, full-mouth panoramic X-rays are offered casually, without protection and, according to many patients, far too often. The debate over the use of these tests is not new, but it has gained strength among those who suspect the goal is not just diagnosis.

The leap from filling to root canal: €60 to €500

One of the most controversial points is the accelerated referral to expensive treatments. A simple filling costs around €60; a root canal (killing the nerve) shoots up to nearly €500. Some patients complain that, when faced with a cavity, the dentist announces that it "has hit rock bottom" and recommends a root canal even though there is no pain or infection. The strategy is well known: filing more than necessary to create the appearance of a bigger problem.

X-rays: how many are too many?

Periodic X-rays, especially annual panoramics, are another source of distrust. While some professionals defend them to detect hidden infections (abscesses in sinuses have been found thanks to them), other patients refuse to repeat them every year and claim that clinics make them sign a document for refusing. The radiation dose is considered low, but the accumulation and the real need for the test are in question.

The consumer's stance: information and firmness

Given this panorama, the advice circulating among experienced patients is clear: if there is no pain or swelling, there is no urgency for a root canal; a superficial cavity can be treated with a filling. Asking for a second opinion, avoiding free cleanings that are usually a lure for aggressive diagnoses, and limiting X-rays to those strictly necessary are measures recommended by those who have already been through bad experiences.

The question that remains in the air is to what extent the dental business has medicalized oral health, and how much room patients have to protect themselves without falling into neglect.