Is X-Ray Radiation Harmful?
What Parts of the Body are Irradiated Our primary concern is the effect the radiation from the x-rays might have on our patients. We worry most about the reproductive organs being affected. The leaded apron we use on every patient is designed to prevent radiation dose to the reproductive organs of the patient. However, even without the apron, the techniques and equipment we use do not allow radiation to reach these organs. Whether or not it is technically needed, we, and most dentists, use the lead apron to be on the safe side. The thyroid gland (in the neck) is also known to be sensitive to radiation. Although the use of a thyroid collar shield does lower the x-ray dose to the thyroid gland, it also blocks out areas of the neck on an x-ray. We do not use such shields, because we must see the structures of the face adjacent to the neck for diagnostic purposes. The benefit of such a dose reduction has is very small compared to the risks of not diagnosing the structures of the neck. Cons
