How Safe Are Dental X-Rays?
How Safe Are Dental X-Rays?
When you visit the dentist near you, you are likely to encounter dental x-rays as part of your routine checkup. While these scans prove to be very beneficial in identifying underlying oral health issues, the question of safety still lingers in many minds. Are dental x-rays safe? As a patient in Aberdeen NJ getting your dental treatments from Friendly Dental, this blog will shed light on the safety of dental x-rays and what you can do to protect yourself.
Dental x-rays are considered safe for patients of all ages when conducted with minimal precautions. The levels of radiation emitted during dental x-rays are quite minimal and pose no immediate threat to patients. That being said, there are concerns that prolonged exposure to radiation could lead to some issues. However, dental x-rays require very short periods to capture images, so the exposure that patients receive is minimal.
In addition to this, dental offices all have protective measures to ensure that patients are safe. For example, dentists and their assistants wear lead aprons, thyroid collars, and other protective gear throughout your visit. Besides that, the equipment used to perform dental x-rays is designed to prevent exposure to radiation, with modern dentists employing digital technology for scanning, a safe alternative that reduces the exposure to radiation by up to 90%.
The frequency with which you receive dental x-rays determines the degree of potential risk. According to the American Dental Association, dental x-rays are common and essential procedures that are designed to help dentists identify issues such as cavities, decay, and gum disease, among others. They recommend that adults receive dental x-rays every 2-3 years, while children receiving similar treatments get checked every one to two years.
As a patient of Friendly Dental in Aberdeen, NJ, you can be sure that your dentist always places your safety first. However, you can also take some measures to reduce your exposure to radiation. If you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant, make sure to inform your dentist about it. They may decide to postpone the x-ray to reduce any possible exposure. Standard x-rays do not pose a threat to adults, but radiation might accumulate after receiving multiple x-rays frequently.
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Radiation is an unfavorable term for many people, and the exposure of patients to radiations while getting dental x-rays makes many people worried. However, with modern dental technologies and precautionary measures, dental x-rays prove to be quite safe. Dental x-rays help your dentist detect early-stage oral health issues that may have gone unnoticed, and timely treatment can prevent significant complications. At Friendly Dental in Aberdeen NJ, we always prioritize your health and safety during your visit, so always feel free to ask any questions or raise concerns you have.