When you visit Your Dental Office, often the dentist takes x-rays. The x-rays provide images of the interior of the teeth and the tooth structures underneath the gum line.
The Procedure
The procedure itself is painless. A protective lead apron will be placed over the chest and abdomen, and then the x-ray device will be positioned near the head. Sometimes the patient will be asked to bite down on a piece of paper or spacers may be placed between the teeth to take the necessary images. Usually all necessary images can be taken in five minutes or less.
Is it safe?
One of the most common questions asked is whether dental x-rays are safe. A typical dental x-ray exposes the mouth and jaw to 0.01 mSv on average, which is a very safe low dose. Most individuals are exposed to around 2.5 mSv per year from background radiation doses. Atomic blast survivors who received around 50 mSv-5000 times more than a dental x-ray-were generally healthy and suffered no long term impact to their health. In addition, to reduce radiation exposure to the rest of the body, a lead apron is placed over the chest and abdomen, and a lead collar can be placed around the neck to avoid exposure to the thyroid.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Children?
Dental x-rays are considered to be safe for children. The low dose of radiation used does not impact their health and it is important to maintain good oral health during childhood.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Children Pregnant Women?
Pregnant women should avoid dental x-rays, particularly during early pregnancy. However, during a dental emergency, the advantages provided by improving the mother's health through dental x-rays outweigh any theoretical harm the procedure may pose to the fetus. Unhealthy infected teeth can cause harm to the fetus.
X-rays are essential to fully evaluate the health of your teeth; most dental offices, such as our dental office in Toronto, prefer to take x-rays once a year or sometimes more often for children. Contact us to book your annual checkup appointment.