Are Dental X-Rays Safe? A Response from Family Dentistry of Braintree

A recent article in The New York Times titled “Are Dental X-Rays Safe?” provides a fair and accurate overview of the safety of dental radiographs. As dentists committed to patient care, we at Family Dentistry of Braintree want to highlight some key takeaways and reassure our patients about the safety and necessity of dental X-rays.

Understanding Dental X-Ray Exposure

Radiation exposure is a common concern for patients, and it’s important to put dental X-rays into perspective. The radiation from dental X-rays is extremely low—significantly lower than many everyday exposures and medical imaging procedures. Here’s a breakdown:

Bitewing Radiographs (typically taken once a year) expose a patient to about five microsieverts of radiation. This is less than the amount of radiation you’d be exposed to naturally in a typical day from the environment.
Panoramic Radiographs (which capture a full view of the mouth and jaw) expose patients to approximately 20 microsieverts, which is equivalent to two and a half days of background radiation—comparable to a five-hour airplane flight.
By contrast, a chest CT scan delivers a much higher dose of radiation—the equivalent of two years’ worth of background radiation.

Advancements in Dental X-Ray Technology

Thanks to advancements in technology, the radiation dose from dental X-rays has become even lower. Digital X-rays, which we use in our office, significantly reduce radiation exposure compared to traditional film X-rays. This means patients receive the clearest images with the lowest possible exposure.

Dental X-Rays and Pregnancy

Some patients worry about X-rays during pregnancy, but dental X-rays are safe for pregnant women and their fetuses. The radiation dose from dental imaging is so low that experts estimate it is 10,000 to 30,000 times lower than the amount needed to cause any harm to a developing baby.

Why Are Dental X-Rays Important?

Dental X-rays play a critical role in diagnosing and preventing oral health issues that might not be visible during a routine exam. They help us:

Spot cavities that have developed in hard-to-see places, such as between teeth.
Detect bone loss caused by gum disease.
Identify cysts and tumors that can develop in or around the jaw.
Monitor children’s oral development, ensuring that permanent teeth are growing in correctly.

Our Commitment to Patient Safety

At Family Dentistry of Braintree, we prioritize minimizing radiation exposure while maximizing diagnostic accuracy. We follow the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), ensuring that X-rays are only taken when necessary for your oral health.

We appreciate The New York Times for providing a well-researched discussion on this topic and encourage our patients to ask questions about any concerns they may have. Your oral health is our top priority, and we are always here to provide the safest and most effective care possible.

If you have any questions about dental X-rays or your next visit, feel free to contact our office.

Your smile—and your safety—are in good hands!