Can Dental X-Rays Be Considered Safe?

The dental x-rays near you are a common diagnostic procedure that is considered extremely safe. They use a low dose of radiation, which means that you are exposed to only a fraction of the radiation you are exposed to in other imaging procedures. Many times, people are concerned if the dental x-rays are safe or whether they should avoid the procedure because of any medical condition.

In such a scenario, people need to go in-depth to understand dental x-rays, why they are performed, and how they are performed. When the procedures are performed taking proper safety measures, there is no cause for concern.

Who Needs Dental X-Rays?

The dental x-rays are used diagnostically for helping the dentists in seeing an issue that is otherwise not visible to the naked eyes. X-rays near you can help in better identifying the issues and treating them. With the help of these, the doctor can see:

• Tumors
• Areas of decay including the ones in between the teeth or under a filling
• Bone loss associated with gum disease
• Changes in the root canal
• Abscess which is an infection at the root of the tooth or between the tooth and gum

If there were no x-rays, many of these issues would remain undiagnosed. With the help of an x-ray, the dentist can perform various procedures such as dentures, bridges, and implants with more precision and accuracy.

Dental X-Rays and Children

A common question that bothers most of the parents is: Are teeth x-rays safe for children? It is a fact that children are more sensitive to radiation. However, the amount of radiation used is considered safe for children. The teeth and jaw of a child change continuously. It is important that you keep an eye on the development. The x-rays for children help in:

• Making sure that the mouth is big enough for accommodating the incoming teeth.
• Have a look at the development of wisdom teeth.
• Diagnose gum disease and decay early.
• Determine if primary teeth are loosened properly so that new teeth can make their way.

Parents should make it a point to take the children to the dentist regularly and get the x-rays as recommended by the dentist. The requirement for x-rays will vary depending on the individual needs of the child.

Precautions During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you must avoid getting dental x-rays as it can have an impact on the baby. The radiation is minimal, but any kind of radiation exposure needs to be avoided. Thus, you must inform your dentist about pregnancy in advance.

But there are some instances where even pregnant women need to get them. If there is a dental emergency or if you are in the middle of a treatment, an x-ray may be required. Let your dentist know about it and discuss how to balance your oral and prenatal health. Women suffering from periodontal disease are at a high risk of pre-term birth, so dental health should not be ignored either.

Are 3D Dental X-Rays Safe?

The radiation emitted from a 3D x-ray machine is small, so one doesn’t need to worry about the effects of radiation. They are as safe as traditional x-rays and offer several other benefits as well. If you still have concerns, you can discuss them with your dentist.

Safety Measures

There are a few things that the dentist must do to minimize the radiation. The dentist can take a single image instead of using the multiple images for decreasing exposure to the radiation quite significantly. You can also ask them to use the lowest radiation setting, especially for children.

Is It Necessary?

The best of minimizing the exposure to radiation is by making sure that the x-rays are only taken when necessary. Doctors take into consideration factors like age, history of oral health, stage of dental development, risk factors, and symptoms before recommending an x-ray.