X-rays provide information about your oral health, such as early-stage cavities, gum disease, infections or some types of tumors.
How often dental X-rays should be taken depends on your overall oral health condition, age, risk for disease and signs of oral disease that might be present. While a recent study suggests yearly or more frequent X-rays might increase the risk of developing meningioma, the most commonly diagnosed brain tumor, the American Dental Association reiterates its professional opinion that dentists should continue to order X-rays when necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment.
It is important to note that this latest study relied on patients’ memories of having X-rays taken years earlier. Studies of this type have shown that the ability to accurately recall information is often difficult. Therefore, the results of studies that use this design can be unreliable because they are affected by what scientists call “recall bias.”
Further, the study acknowledges that some of the subjects received dental X-rays decades ago, when radiation exposure was greater.
Radiation rates were higher in the past because of the use of old X-ray technology and slower speed film.
The West Michigan Dental Society urges patients to continue to see your dentist regularly and to talk with your dentist about the importance of X-rays and what standard safety precautions are used in the dental office.
How do dental X-rays work?
As X-rays pass through your mouth, they are mostly absorbed by teeth and bone because these tissues are thicker than cheeks and gums. When X-rays strike the film or a digital sensor, an image called a radiograph is created. Radiographs allow your dentist to see hidden problems, such as tooth decay, infections and signs of gum disease.
Patient safety
The American Dental Association recommends the use of protective aprons and thyroid collars on all patients. In addition, the
Patients are encouraged to talk to their dentist if they have questions about their dental treatment. As a sciencebased organization, the
Benefits of dental X-rays
Since many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when your dentist examines your mouth, an X-ray can help reveal: Small areas of decay between the teeth or existing fillings; Infections in the bone; Gum disease; Abscesses or cysts; Developmental abnormalities; Some types of tumors.
Finding and treating dental problems early can save time, money and unnecessary discomfort.
Dental X-rays vs. other radiation sources
The amount of radiation patients are exposed to from dental X-rays is very small compared to daily exposure from cosmic radiation and naturally occurring radioactive elements.
Radiation exposure is measured in millisieverts (mSv), a unit of measure that allows for some comparison between radiation sources that exposure the entire body (natural background radiation) and those that only expose a portion of the body (dental X-ray).
For example, a dental bitewing X-ray yields 0.038 mSv, while radiation from outer space yields 0.510 mSv per year. In addition, the average radiation in the
Pregnancy and dental X-rays
In some cases, a dental X-ray might be needed for dental treatment that cannot wait until after a baby is born. Because untreated dental infections might pose a risk to the fetus, dental treatment might be necessary to maintain the health of the mother and child.
The use of a leaded apron minimizes exposure to the abdomen and should be used when any dental radiograph is taken.
The use of a leaded thyroid collar is recommended for women of childbearing age, pregnancy women and children.
Also, dental X-ray exams do not need to be delayed if a patient is trying to become pregnancy or is breastfeeding.
Reference: West Michigan Dental Society
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Digital X-Rays
Panoramic X-Rays
