Does Placing a Phone and Glasses on X-Ray Machine Affect Safety? - Dentistry

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When it comes to the safety and operation of X-ray machines, particularly in the context of placing a phone and glasses on the machine during a full-mouth X-ray, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, it is essential to understand how X-ray machines function. X-ray machines emit radiation when they are powered on and activated. The radiation is generated from the X-ray tube, which is designed to focus the X-rays in a specific direction towards the area being imaged. In the case of a full-mouth X-ray, the machine typically has a rotating arm that moves around the patient's head to capture images from multiple angles.
Placing a phone or glasses on the X-ray machine while it is in operation does not inherently pose a safety risk to the patient. The primary concern with placing objects on the machine is not about radiation exposure to the patient but rather the potential for interference with the quality of the images being captured. For instance, if the phone or glasses are in the path of the X-ray beam, they may create artifacts on the images, leading to a need for retakes. This is why it is crucial to follow the instructions provided by the radiologic technologist or dental professional conducting the X-ray.

Regarding the specific concern about the phone's screen being illuminated, it is important to note that the light emitted from a phone screen does not affect the X-ray machine's operation or the radiation emitted. The X-ray machine is designed to operate independently of external light sources. However, it is always best practice to keep the area around the X-ray machine clear of unnecessary objects to avoid any potential complications during the imaging process.

In terms of radiation exposure, the amount of radiation from a full-mouth X-ray is relatively low. According to the American Dental Association, a full-mouth series of X-rays typically exposes a patient to about 0.01 to 0.02 millisieverts (mSv) of radiation. For context, this is a small fraction of the annual background radiation exposure that an average person receives from natural sources, which is about 3 mSv per year. Therefore, even if a retake is necessary due to image quality issues caused by objects on the machine, the additional radiation exposure remains within safe limits.

It is also worth mentioning that the X-ray machine is equipped with safety features, including lead barriers and automatic shut-off mechanisms, to minimize unnecessary exposure to radiation. If the machine is not functioning correctly, such as if the X-ray tube does not activate due to a malfunction, there would be no radiation emitted. This means that if the X-ray technician indicated that the machine was not operational during the initial attempts, there would be no radiation exposure to the patient during those times.

In conclusion, placing a phone and glasses on the X-ray machine during a full-mouth X-ray does not pose a significant safety risk in terms of radiation exposure to the patient. However, it can affect the quality of the images captured, potentially leading to retakes. It is always advisable to follow the guidance of the radiologic technologist and ensure that the area around the X-ray machine is clear of unnecessary items to facilitate the best imaging results. If there are any concerns about radiation exposure or the need for multiple X-rays, discussing these with the healthcare provider can provide reassurance and clarity.