Dental X-Ray FAQ
Get answers to some frequently asked questions about dental x-rays.
Many people are unnecessarily frightened of routine dental x-rays. Here is some helpful information that will help you understand the process better.
Why do I have to get dental x-rays?
Certain dental issues simply can’t be diagnosed and corrected without dental x-rays. Dental x-rays are especially helpful as a preventative tool, as they can often detect cavities and other hidden issues before they actually begin to cause you pain. Other examples of problems that can be detected with x-rays include:
- Abscesses or cysts
- Bone loss
- Tumors
- Decay between teeth
- Developmental abnormalities
- Poor tooth and root position
- Decay below the gum line
How often will I need x-rays?
In general, healthy adults will need a full mouth series of dental x-rays just once every 3 to 5 years. Bite-wing x-rays for checking the health of back teeth would probably be needed every 1 to 3 years depending on your history of dental problems and your risk level for future issues including dental caries. Because x-rays are a diagnostic tool, they may need to be taken more frequently if you experience dental pain or have some other emergency.
Are dental x-rays safe?
Yes, dental x-rays are considered safe when administered under the guidelines set out by the American Dental Association and the requirements of the state radiation protection program. At California Dental Group, we abide by all relevant standards including getting the required inspections and testing for our equipment, training our personnel properly, and using lead aprons to protect patients.
How much radiation is in a dental x-ray?
According to the American Dental Association, the average full mouth series of dental x-rays delivers about 0.15mSv of radiation. This is equivalent to the amount of background environmental radiation you’re exposed to in the course of a few days. When you take a cross-country flight, you’re actually getting about the same amount of radiation as a dental x-ray. The average annual radiation exposure for an American is 6.2mSv, half of which comes from the environment and half of which comes from man-made sources like CT scans.
Is it safe to get dental x-rays while pregnant?
Because the scope of a dental x-ray is very small and the equipment is directed at your teeth rather than your body, there should not be any risk to a baby from a dental x-ray. The American College of Radiology has stated that no single x-ray has enough radiation to harm an embryo or fetus. However, you might as well postpone any routine dental x-rays until after birth to give yourself total peace of mind. If you have a dental emergency, however, you do need to get it addressed, even if this involves getting x-rays. A mother’s oral health does affect the pregnancy. Specifically, gum disease has been linked to premature births.
