Are x-rays safe?
Our office uses digital X-ray technology that reduces your child’s exposure to radiation by as much as 90% and it eliminates the use of chemicals for development. It is better for your child and the environment. Since every child is unique, the need for dental X-ray films varies from child to child. Films are taken only after a complete review of your child’s health, and only when they are likely to yield information that a visual exam cannot. In general, children need X-rays more often than adults. Their mouths grow and change rapidly. They are more susceptible to tooth decay than adults. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends X-ray examinations every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. Children with a low risk of tooth decay require X-rays less frequently.
X-rays are safe. People are exposed to very low levels of radiation as part of their daily lives. When you have a dental x-ray, you are protected in three ways: 1. Targeting The machine directs the x-ray only to the area where you need it. High-speed film and precise timers shorten the amount of rime you are exposed to radiation. All our x-ray equipment is checked on a regular basis to make sure it is working the way it should. 2. Covering A lead apron and collar give you added protection. 3. Staff training Members of the dental team are well trained in taking and processing x-rays.
Yes. Numerous precautions and advances in x-ray equipment help protect patients from receiving unnecessary radiation. The amount of radiation received from a dental x-ray is extremely small compared to other naturally occurring sources of radiation, including minerals in the soil, radon and cosmic radiation from outer space. Unlike their medical counterparts dental x-rays are very low in radiation. A full-mouth series of films, will deliver a dose that is equivalent to about 8 days of exposure of naturally occurring environmental radiation. The reason for this is that the amount of radiation needed to expose a film the size of a dental x-ray is very small. Also the areas in your mouth that are being x-rayed are far less dense than other areas of your body and therefore require very little radiation in order to pick up the image. The beam of radiation is very narrow and literally passes through the cheek and out of your body. The rest of your body is shielded from any stray particles wi
You are already exposed to low levels of radiation from the environment on a daily basis. This is caused by natural sources of radioactive substances in the earth, the sun and from naturally occurring radiation in our bodies. This is commonly referred to as background radiation. The amount of radiation you receive during a single x-ray is equivalent to a few days of background radiation. In addition to the low levels of radiation used we target the x-ray machine only at those areas we need to review in order to ensure that you have healthy teeth. We also cover the remainder of your body with a lead apron providing you with additional protection.
