Panoramic Dental X-Rays May Detect Risk Of Stroke
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in Canada, but a visit to the dentist could be a lifesaver for some people at risk of this disease.
Panoramic radiographs (xrays) can sometimes turn up a key sign of vulnerability to stroke by detecting calcium deposits in the carotid arteries in the neck. Calcification of these arteries, which supply blood to the brain, may be asign of advanced atherosclerosis, a major cause of stroke.
If Canadian dental professionals can find yet another way to detect patients who may be at risk of experiencing a stroke through these dental panoramic radiographs (x-rays), then these patients can be referred to their own physician to develop strategies on how to prevent the disease from progressing.
Emerging research conducted at the State University of NewYork's Buffalo School of Dental Medicine suggests that dentists should look for evidence of calcium deposits in the carotid arteries shown on such x-rays, and should refer patients with such evidence to a physician.
Panoramic radiographs show all the upper and lower teeth, large portions of the jaw and other structures on one relatively large film.The University of Buffalo study involved some 2,750 patients screened at the university's dental clinics over a two year period. About 5% of the patients screened were referred to physicians because the researchers found evidence of calcification in the carotid arteries. Researchers also found a statistically significant correlation with obesity. Patients who were obese were most likely to have the carotid calcifications.
This study concluded that dental panoramic radiography may be a useful diagnostic tool to identify some asymptomatic patients who were not previously recognized to be at risk of experiencing stroke.
The detection of carotid calcifications on panoramic radiographs in your dental office should prompt an automatic referral to your family physician for a complete physical as part of an overall stroke-prevention strategy.
Evidence is mounting relating various forms of dental disease to avariety of health concerns, some that are life threatening. By keeping regular check-up appointments with your dental team, you may help increase your chances for a long and healthy life.
February 15, 2008Dental News3
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