Are Dental X Rays Safe?
Dental x-rays provide a modern dentist with many benefits. They help your dentist see a wide range of potential issues such as hidden decay, infections, loss of bone or tooth roots, and more. In children, dental x-rays can help prevent serious orthodontic issues by locating the position of adult teeth before they appear outside the gums.
However, many patients and parents are concerned about just how safe a dental x-ray is for them or their child, with the main cause of concern being exposure to radiation during the x-ray.
It is true, radiation is involved in a dental x-ray. We are all raised to believe that radiation is bad, and of course, some types and levels of radiation are extremely dangerous. However, in a dental clinic, the x-rays are performed at an incredibly low level. In fact, dental x-rays are among the lowest tested levels recorded on radiation levels. For example, dental x-rays are at a lower risk of radiation exposure than other types of medical x-rays.
An estimated radiation level you may be exposed to when getting a set of four dental x-rays from your dentist is about 0.005 mSv, this can be compared to flying in a plane for an hour or two. The American College of Radiology recommends limiting your lifetime exposure to medical x-rays to less than 100 mSv.
Here are some other interesting things you may do in your day-to-day life without a second thought, that could expose you to a similar amount of radiation as a dental x-ray:
- eating ten bananas
- using gas heating in your home
- watching television for extended periods
- using bentonite-based cat litter
- drinking some types of beer
Modern Dental Techniques And X-Ray Radiation Levels
Dentists have always been looking for ways to lower the exposure of patients and themselves to radiation from x-rays. The equipment used for dental x-rays has advanced along with all other technology, making them safer than ever. Along with that, protective equipment such as guards or shields for the throat provides more protection while getting your dental x-rays.
We use the latest and up-to-date technologies at Koo Wee Rup Dental Clinic, which help keep our patients safe. So, while we respect our patients’ concerns about getting dental x-rays, we are greatly confident that it is not a dangerous or risky procedure for them at all. Our dentists also respect their patient’s decision to not have dental x-rays if they still have concerns.
If you have any questions about dental x-rays or anything else to do with our dental clinic in Koo Wee Rup, simply contact us today. We’d love to hear from you!