Many patients will ask the hygienist or dental assistant, “Do I have to get x-rays?” or “Do I really need x-rays today? I am concerned about the dose of radiation.” For those who are hesitant about dental x-rays, here are some facts about digital x-ray exposure that will reassure patients about radiation.
In everyday activities, we experience more radiation than digital x-rays. Digital x-rays are a lot safer than traditional x-rays. Patients are exposed up to ninety percent less radiation versus the traditional x-rays.
Even though we still use a lead apron as protection from radiation, there is a small measurable difference in dose of the whole body, whether an apron is used or not. The amount of radiation from x-ray machines is small and radiation is only produced during operation. Therefore, medical problems are unlikely.
Studies have shown that the radiation dose from an Full Mouth Set(18 x-rays total) of digital X-rays is less than what a person would be exposed to in one month from environmental sources. Full Mouth Set of x-rays is usually done once every three to five years. The 18 films taken in the Full Mouth x-rays show each individual tooth in the mouth. It is very helpful in detecting any dental issues unseen by a visual oral exam.
Radiation dosage from Panoramic and Bitewing X-rays are even less. Bitewing x-rays are two to four films total, usually taken once to two times a year. Bitewing x-rays show the dentist and hygienist interproximal cavities, which is in between the teeth. Interproximal cavities are not found with the naked eye, which is why bitewing
x-rays are important. Panoramic is the x-ray we do every three to five years to evaluate bone loss and very helpful for patients that still have wisdom teeth.
This table shows examples of radiation exposure:
Full mouth x-rays = 10-15 USV per year
Panoramic x-ray = 6-11 USV per year
4 Bite-wing x-rays = 2-3 USV per year
Mammogram = 1-2 MSV per year
High mileage frequent flying (100,000 to 450,000 miles per year) is 1-6.7 MSV
Sunlight, Radon Gas, and living at high altitude= 6 MSV per year
Natural Background Radiation from living at sea level= 3 MSV per year
Hopefully this information will ease patients minds about digital dental x-rays. Just think about how much radiation we get exposed to in our everyday life. Then think about how many times you are asked to have x-rays taken in the dental office. Feel free to ask our Team more questions about digital x-rays!