Patients often express concerns about exposure to radiation during their dental visits. X-rays can have negative effects on our cells. There are numerous sources of radiation in our lives. Standing in the sunlight exposes us to UV and solar generated x-rays, and we get some radiation from radon gas generated in the concrete of our home’s foundation. The question is, when is it LIKELY to cause problems.
Many of us, basically all of us of the boomer and millennial generations, had our x-rays taken with a film-based system. Little tabs were placed and we bit down before the machine was positioned and triggered. Those films were then processed in a dark room to be viewed on a light box. Nowadays, we utilize a sensor positioned the same way, but the amount of x-ray needed is miniscule compared to the film system. The digital image is then handled in an AI software system to sharpen the image even further. Basically, we can take a whole mouth full of x-rays using about as much radiation as one or two of the old-style films and it keeps getting better.
We also have available in our office a “cone beam” system that allows a three-dimensional image to be created, not just two as in the past. This allows dentists to look at things from several different directions and see things often hidden or indistinct in the normal two-dimensional x-ray.
Now the news about dental x-rays is that the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiography (the source authority on this stuff) says that lead aprons are not necessary for digital dental x-rays even for pregnant women. Apparently, the radiation used is 500 to 10,000 times less than the lowest dose threshold for problems. The American Dental Association no longer recommends the use of the lead aprons.
We will be happy to use an apron upon request, but knowing that the risk is minimal may put some at ease.
– Dr. Bob
