Are Dental X-Rays Harmful? Radiation Exposure Risks

Is the radiation dose from dental X-rays harmful to the human body?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask if the X-ray machines used in dentistry have any effects on the human body.
When I went in for the X-ray, I wasn't wearing any protective clothing; I just bit down on a T-shaped stick and watched as a machine moved from left to right to complete a full-mouth X-ray.
I'm very concerned, especially since my brain was exposed to this radiation environment, and I didn't close my eyes.
Could this affect my vision or cause any bodily changes? Although there may not be immediate issues, isn't radiation known to damage healthy cells? I don't think I can go back to that dentist.
The first time, I was adamant about not getting the X-ray, but the second time, before I even got on the examination chair, the assistant told me to get the X-ray first and said, "It's required by the National Health Insurance." I'm afraid of radiation, so I refused to take it, but this time I was somewhat coerced into doing it.
I don't think I can return to that dental clinic again.

A Fei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/05/05

Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine

Dear Mr.
A-Fei,
In fact, radiation is ubiquitous in our natural environment, referred to as background radiation.
A full set of 14 dental X-rays is approximately equivalent to the amount of radiation one would receive in a day from natural sources.
To put it another way, a single X-ray typically exposes a person to about 0.005 rem of radiation.
The annual safe dose for an average person is between 0.5 to 1 rem, which translates to roughly 100-200 X-rays per year.
Therefore, under normal circumstances, a single X-ray examination does not result in excessive exposure.
For more sensitive areas, such as the reproductive organs, lead aprons are used for protection.
Teeth and the surrounding alveolar bone are hard tissues, and conditions such as interproximal caries cannot be detected with the naked eye, necessitating the use of dental X-rays for diagnosis.
I hope you understand that the risks associated with routine X-ray examinations are quite low, especially when such examinations are deemed necessary.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Tsai Meng-Ju
Attending Physician, Family Medicine Department
Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health

Reply Date: 2008/05/05

More Info

Dental X-rays are a common diagnostic tool used by dentists to assess the health of teeth and surrounding structures. While it is understandable to have concerns about radiation exposure, it is important to put the risks into perspective based on scientific evidence and guidelines from health organizations.

Firstly, the amount of radiation exposure from dental X-rays is relatively low. For instance, a single dental X-ray typically exposes a patient to about 0.005 to 0.01 millisieverts (mSv) of radiation. In comparison, the average person is exposed to about 3 mSv of natural background radiation each year from sources such as cosmic rays, radon gas, and terrestrial radiation. Therefore, the radiation from a dental X-ray is minimal compared to the natural background radiation we encounter daily.

When considering the safety of dental X-rays, it is crucial to understand that the benefits of obtaining necessary diagnostic information often outweigh the risks associated with the radiation exposure. Dentists use X-rays to detect issues that are not visible during a regular examination, such as cavities between teeth, bone loss, or infections. Early detection of these problems can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes for patients.

Regarding your specific concerns about the potential effects of radiation on your brain and vision, it is important to note that dental X-rays are designed to focus on the lower jaw and teeth. The exposure to the brain and eyes is minimal, especially when proper techniques are used. Additionally, dental offices often employ lead aprons and thyroid collars to protect sensitive areas of the body from unnecessary radiation exposure, although these may not always be used for every type of X-ray.

You mentioned feeling anxious about the lack of protective clothing during your X-ray. While it is always good to be cautious, the radiation dose from dental X-rays is so low that the risk of significant harm is extremely small. The American Dental Association and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommend that dental X-rays be performed only when necessary, and they emphasize the importance of using the lowest possible radiation dose to achieve the required diagnostic information.

In terms of long-term effects, the risk of developing cancer from low-dose radiation exposure, such as that from dental X-rays, is considered to be very low. According to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), doses below 100 mSv are not associated with any observable increase in cancer risk. Given that dental X-rays typically involve much lower doses, the risk remains negligible.

If you have ongoing concerns about radiation exposure from dental X-rays, it is advisable to communicate these with your dentist. They can provide you with information about the necessity of the X-rays and discuss alternative diagnostic methods if appropriate. Additionally, you can inquire about the safety protocols in place at their practice to ensure that you feel comfortable during your visits.

In conclusion, while it is natural to worry about radiation exposure, dental X-rays are a safe and essential part of dental care. The radiation levels are low, and the benefits of accurate diagnosis and treatment far outweigh the risks. If you ever feel uncomfortable or have questions about the procedures being performed, do not hesitate to voice your concerns with your dental care provider. Your health and peace of mind are paramount.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Dental X-rays: Safety Concerns and Health Impacts

Hello, doctor: Recently, there have been many reports in newspapers and on television about electromagnetic waves from substations, base stations, etc., which seem to cause both physical and mental fears regarding their impact on the human body. The most direct effect is that X-r...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
The term refers to panoramic dental radiography, which is generally used to assess the condition of the upper and lower jaw teeth, such as the presence of cavities, apical lesions, or any abnormalities in the jawbone, including fractures or trauma. Typically, if the imaging is no...

Understanding the Risks of Multiple X-Ray Exposures in Dental Care

Hello, Doctor. Since December of last year until now in April, I have undergone multiple dental procedures, including wisdom tooth extraction. Due to my excessive concern about cavities in my wisdom teeth, I have visited several dental clinics and received X-rays focused on one s...

Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology
According to the calculation method provided by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the radiation dose from five dental X-rays is approximately 0.025 mSv, while the dose from six full-mouth X-rays is about 0.06 mSv. A single 3D dental computed tomography (CT) scan h...

Understanding Radiation Exposure from Dental X-rays: Health Implications

Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if the radiation doses from the dental radiographic examinations I underwent in the past six months could have any impact on my health. In September 2015, to confirm the presence of a dental fracture, I had three panoramic X-rays and four periap...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
In principle, the radiation dose from 100 periapical dental radiographs is equivalent to that of one chest X-ray. If dental X-rays are taken solely for diagnostic purposes, the radiation dose should not exceed that amount.

Concerns About Radiation Exposure from Dental X-rays and CT Scans

Hello, I am 19 years old and female. I would like to ask if the dental X-rays I had done last year in November (two times) and the abdominal CT scan with contrast in early April of this year, followed by a panoramic dental X-ray and two additional dental X-rays from April to May,...

Dr. Zhang Zheng'ang reply Radiology
Hello, Ms. Cheng! Due to medical necessity, undergoing X-rays and CT scans is more beneficial than harmful, and there is no need to consider whether it increases the risk of cancer.