How safe are dental X-rays?
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American Dental Association answered:Dental x-ray exams are safe; however, they do require very low levels of radiation exposure, which makes the risk of potentially harmful effects very small.
Dental x-ray tools and techniques are designed to limit the body's exposure to radiation and every precaution is taken to ensure that radiation exposure is As Low As Reasonable Achievable (the ALARA principle). A leaded apron minimizes exposure to the abdomen and should be used when any dental radiograph is taken. Also, a leaded thyroid collar can protect the thyroid from radiation, and should also be used whenever possible. The use of a leaded thyroid collar is recommended for women of childbearing age, pregnant women and children.
Dental x-ray exams are safe; however, they do require very low levels of radiation exposure, which makes the risk of potentially harmful effects very small. Dental x-ray tools and techniques are designed to limit the body's exposure to radiation... More -
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:Dental x-rays are very safe. The amount of radiation you get from a set of dental x-rays is tiny, accounting for only 0.2% of all radiation exposure the average person receives. Since the benefit of x-rays can be big (your dentist can find problems that aren't easily seen) the small amount of radiation exposure is probably worth it. However, if you've had substantial radiation exposure from other screening tests or cancer treatments, talk to your dentist about your concerns.Dental x-rays are very safe. The amount of radiation you get from a set of dental x-rays is tiny, accounting for only 0.2% of all radiation exposure the average person receives. Since the benefit of x-rays can be big (your dentist can find problems... More -
Dr. Gerry Curatola answered:There is a great deal of misinformation and confusion regarding the safety of dental x-rays. Dental x-rays are an indispensable tool for any dental professional to competently treat a patient. Here are some interesting facts: the amount of cosmic and solar radiation, as well as the natural radiation we are exposed to from our air, water and soil (including radon gas) amounts to 360 mRem/yr or about 1 mRem of radiation per day. Check-up x-rays contain 0.3 mRem of radiation. This is equal to the amount of natural radiation exposure you receive in half of a day, from the sun, cosmic radiation and the bricks of your house. With that said, unnecessary overexposure should always be avoided as radiation exposure is cumulative and a protective apron thyroid collar should always be applied to minimize exposure to sensitive organs.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulThere is a great deal of misinformation and confusion regarding the safety of dental x-rays. Dental x-rays are an indispensable tool for any dental professional to competently treat a patient. Here are some interesting facts: the amount of cosmic... More -
Dr. Jerry Gordon answered:Dental x-rays expose a patient to a very low level of radiation. A full series of dental x-rays (18) has 27 times less radiation than a lower gastrointestinal (GI) series and 20 times less radiation than one year of normal background radiation from the environment. Dental checkup x-rays (4 bitewings) has 79 times less radiation than a year of normal background radiation.
In spite of these low radiation levels, dentists are very concerned about minimizing the amount of radiation a patient receives at the dental office. That's why we use special high-speed film, can use digital x-rays, and cover patients with a lead apron during x-ray procedures.Dental x-rays are important for many reasons. They can expose hidden dental decay, reveal a dental abscess, cyst, or tumor, show impacted or extra teeth, and also help determine the condition of fillings, crowns, bridges, and root canals. Dental x-rays can also reveal bone loss from periodontal (gum) disease, locate tarter build-up, find foreign bodies within the gum or bone, and see if there is
enough bone for the placement of dental implants. These are just some of the many reasons why dentists rely on dental x-rays.Dental x-rays are very safe and extremely important to you and your dentist and should not be avoided based fear of radiation exposure.
Dental x-rays expose a patient to a very low level of radiation. A full series of dental x-rays (18) has 27 times less radiation than a lower gastrointestinal (GI) series and 20 times less radiation than one year of normal background radiation from... More
