Dental X-rays play a key role in oral health. They enable a dentist to review their patients’ oral health development and identify underlying problems related to the teeth, jaw, and soft tissues of the mouth.
Plus, X-rays help a dentist provide an accurate diagnosis and determine the best course of action to treat oral health issues.
But one thing every patient wants to know is:
Are dental X-rays safe?
Which Conditions Require Dental X-Rays?
There are several other reasons why a dentist may recommend dental X-rays, too. These reasons include:
• Monitor Oral Health Injury Healing and Recovery: If a child or adult suffers a mouth injury, a dentist may use an X-ray to track the patient’s healing progress and ensure that he or she can make a full recovery.
• Identify Oral Infections: Dental cavities, gingivitis, and other oral infections are problematic. Thanks to an X-ray, a dentist is better equipped than ever before to identify an oral infection before it gets out of hand.
• Determine If an Orthodontic Treatment Is Necessary: A dentist sometimes uses an X-ray to determine whether to recommend an orthodontic treatment.
Not all dental X-rays are created equal. In fact, a dentist may recommend one or more of the following types of dental x-rays:
- Bitewing
- Periapical
- Panoramic
- Occlusal
- Orthodontic
- Cone Beam Computerised Tomography (CBCT): Provide a 3D view of the patient’s mouth to help a dentist assess the development and space of their teeth.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
X-rays emit some radiation, but according to the American Dental Association (ADA), radiation exposure due to dental X- rays is minimal in comparison to both human-made and natural radiation sources.
Meanwhile, the ADA notes that dental radiographs account for roughly 2.5% of the effective radiation dose received from all medical radiographs and fluoroscopies (medical X-ray imaging procedures).
There are almost no risks from dental x-rays as long as dentists and patients follow the prescribed procedure.
The radiation levels you get from x-rays can cause no harm to your body.
Before you go under x-rays, our dental professionals will ensure that you are fully aware of all safety precautions. Before you go into the x-ray room, there are several questions you’ll need to answer. These questions include your pregnancy status and any pre-existing conditions that might make you more sensitive to radiation.
Can X-Rays Become Unsafe?
Radiation used in dental x-rays is very low and even less than it was a decade ago. One x-ray emits about 0.1mrem radiation. The average person receives more radiation from the environment in one year.
Drinking water emits about 5mrem annually.
Smoking cigarettes can provide you with more than 1300mrem over the course of a few months.
Contrary to this, x-ray radiation can be almost undetectable, so it is still important to ensure you are staying below recommended radiation levels.
How Do Dental Lifeline Handle Patient X-Rays?
At Dental Lifeline, Chandigarh we strive to provide safe, effective dental care for both children and adults. As part of our commitment to our patients and their health and well-being, we use state of the art X-ray technologies to help protect kids and adults from radiation exposure.
Our zero- and no-radiation cavity detection technologies allow us to use autofluorescence to identify cavities and tissue damage in the mouth. They help us accurately detect dental issues and provide an instant diagnosis of cavities and cracks in the teeth. Then, if we identify an oral health problem, we can treat only the diseased area accordingly.
The DENTAL LIFELINE provides digital, panoramic X-rays.
• We use Radiovisiography [ RVG ] as latest imaging technique in dentistry with the minimal radiation exposure of the patient.
• We provide a high-voltage power supply in a high-frequency DC x-ray unit should be used in Portable X-ray equipment to limit the radiation to the patient.
They provide 2D images of a patient’s mouth and jaw, as well as help us diagnose a patient’s oral health problems and map out a personalised treatment plan. That way, we can best help a patient achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
The Bottom Line on Dental X-Ray Safety
At Dental Lifeline, the health and well-being of our patients guide our day-to-day efforts. We understand the radiation exposure dangers associated with X-rays, and to combat these risks, we deploy the latest X-ray technologies.
Our team takes the maximum precautions to keep patients safe during X-ray procedures and performs X-rays on an as-needed basis.
We take into consideration X-ray frequency, family dental history, and other crucial factors to ensure each patient is comfortable with their treatment and we help our patients weigh the pros and cons of X-ray procedures so they can make an informed decision based on their personal needs.
The Dental Lifeline is all about safety – and giving each patient an extraordinary experience every time they visit our office. Dental X-rays may seem complicated at first, but The DENTAL LIFELINE is happy to help patients understand X-rays and X- ray safety.
If you need more information related to the question, “are dental X-rays safe,” don’t hesitate to contact us. To find out more about our dental X-rays or to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists, please contact us today at 0172-5087111 or text on 8283050396 . You can also schedule your exam, including x-rays online. If you’re ready to take positive steps toward ensuring your child has optimal dental health, you can schedule your appointment today!