Blog

Are X-Rays Safe?

April 23, 2018

At Steven K. Okamoto, DDS, your health and safety are extremely important to us. Dental x-rays are a common investigative technique that we considered to be safe. Moreover, the digital dental x-rays we use are even safer. They have very low doses of radiation, producing just a fraction of what you are exposed to in other imaging procedures.

If you’re worried about whether you need dental x-rays, it’s good to dig a little deeper into what dental x-rays involve.

X-Rays and Radiation Exposure

There is very little cause for concern when x-rays are performed properly and with adequate safety precautions. A regular exam that includes four bitewing x-rays has about the same amount of radiation you would experience if you traveled on a plane for two hours.

It is important to remember that the effects of radiation are cumulative over your lifetime. For instance, if you travel a lot, then waiting two to three years between dental x-rays is a good idea. Even though the exposure to radiation is low during an x-ray, you still want to keep your overall lifestyle as free from radiation as you can.

Minimizing Your Risk

The most effective way to minimize radiation exposure from dental x-rays is only to have them done when necessary. Fortunately, it is up to you and your healthcare provider how often you have an x-ray done. There are certain factors to consider when deciding to have an x-ray done.

Oral health history
Current symptoms
Age and dental development stage
Personal risk factors

A careful evaluation by your dentist can reduce the need for x-rays. If you are concerned about how much exposure you have experienced, then ask your dentist to perform a visual examination before ordering any x-rays. Also, if you have your x-rays from a previous dentist, make sure to get them transferred to Dr. Okamoto to eliminate the need to repeat the procedure.