All digital radiography can reduce the amount of radiation exposure by up to 80% compared to traditional film. Radiation exposure from standard digital dental x-rays is minimal. Today, with the use of digital X-ray images, the radiation dose is even lower than ever. In fact, compared to other natural and medical radiation sources, dental imaging generally produces a significantly lower dose.
Radiation is measured in units called Sieverts. Because of the small amount of radiation emitted during dental x-rays, it is measured in MicroSievert (one millionth of a Sievert). Many patients are concerned about the amount of radiation we receive from dental x-rays, so we'd like to give you something to compare it to. Whether your wisdom teeth are being evaluated or you're interested in dental implants, sophisticated x-rays are needed that will provide a wealth of information about your anatomy.
Nobody really knows if a small burst of x-rays from a dental exam can be extrapolated to a full body dose received by atomic bomb survivors and, then, how their population showed an increased risk of cancer decades later. If you've ever wondered about the effect of dental x-rays on your body or the amount of radiation produced with each push of the button, you're not alone. The truth is that there is nothing magical about the X-ray radiation used to create the excellent three-dimensional images of the new dental scanners. We follow the recommendations of the Minnesota Department of Health and lead aprons are not required for dental x-rays.
Patients' questions about radiation emitted by dental x-ray machines come up regularly, and some people even refuse to be exposed to it to the detriment of their own oral health. The dentist may take x-rays for a variety of reasons, but most commonly x-rays are used to monitor overall oral health. If you have questions about dental x-rays or how often images are needed to keep your smile healthy, be sure to talk to a dentist at the Kois Center in your area. As mentioned above, there are different types of dental x-rays and each has its own level of radiation exposure.
Dental x-rays have always provided patients with such a small amount of radiation that its effects are considered almost an afterthought. Dental x-rays are a safe, effective and valuable way to help your dentist provide complete and thorough care, and can help keep your teeth healthy. A digital x-ray requires less radiation to capture a high-resolution image than the traditional x-rays used a few decades ago.
