Dental x-rays are commonly used when you visit your dentist. Many patients wonder if dental x-rays are safe and if they should worry about radiation exposure. Expressing concerns about your health and safety is normal, and the good news is that dental x-rays are extremely safe. You may notice your hygienist covers you with protective equipment and leaves the room during the x-ray. This is to avoid repeated exposure because hygienists perform x-rays daily as part of their cleaning and exam routines. The protective equipment placed on the patient helps to further protect your body and organs that are more sensitive to radiation exposure.
Every day we are exposed to levels of radiation naturally in the environment, and dental x-rays only make up a small fraction of the average daily dose of radiation each day. Patients do not need to worry about exposure, as the amount is so low there is nothing to be concerned about.
Are Dental X-Ray’s Safe?
Dental x-rays do not require much radiation to produce images. With the new technology used today x-rays use 90% less radiation exposure and are safe for patients. Diagnostic imaging gives our team the ability to see inside your teeth and this allows the detection of decay, bone loss, or oral cancer. X-rays can help prevent future issues by diagnosing and treating anything we see promptly.
Benefits of Dental X-Ray’s
- Detect decay, fillings, gum disease, and oral cancer.
- Detect changes in soft or hard tissues.
- Show jawbone development
- Detect bone loss
Interested in Learning More About How Dental X-rays Can Benefit You?
If you are interested in learning how dental x-rays can benefit you, or you are due for your regular dental exam and cleaning, contact Smile Design. We provide the highest level of service and use the latest technology and equipment. Let our team help you care for your smile, and prevent unnecessary visits to the dentist. Dr. Imeni has years of experience and loves helping patients care for their teeth and gums. Oral health is extremely important and is directly linked to our overall health. Attending your regular dental visits can help to detect issues and keep your smile looking and feeling great.
To schedule an appointment with us contact Smile Design Modern Dentistry, and our staff will be happy to assist you.
How Much Radiation Is Actually Involved?
Radiation dose is measured in millisieverts (mSv). A set of four bitewing X-rays — the routine images taken at a checkup — delivers roughly 0.005 mSv. A panoramic image, which captures the whole jaw in one pass, is in the region of 0.01 mSv. For comparison, the average person in the United States receives about 3 mSv per year from natural background sources: soil, building materials, food, and cosmic radiation.
How Dental X-Rays Compare to Everyday Exposure
Put in everyday terms, a routine set of bitewings is comparable to the extra background radiation you absorb over about a day of ordinary life, and a good deal less than a single cross-country flight. This is why dental imaging is considered one of the lowest-dose diagnostic procedures in medicine — and why the risk of leaving decay, bone loss, or an abscess undetected is far greater than the risk from the image itself.
How We Keep Your Dose As Low As Possible
- Digital sensors instead of film, which cut exposure substantially compared with the film systems many patients remember
- Lead apron and thyroid collar to shield tissue that is more sensitive to radiation
- Imaging based on your risk, not the calendar — a patient with no recent decay needs images far less often than someone with active problems
- Precise positioning so images are diagnostic the first time and do not need repeating
What About X-Rays During Pregnancy?
Always tell us if you are pregnant or think you might be. Routine imaging is generally postponed during pregnancy as a precaution, though urgent dental problems such as infection are usually treated rather than delayed — an untreated infection carries more risk than a shielded, single X-ray. We will always discuss the trade-off with you before taking anything.