It is completely understandable to have questions or concerns about whether the radiation involved with dental x-rays is safe for your family. Digital dental x-ray safety is one of the most common questions patients ask. Here is what we tell our patients at Smile Life Dental.
How Much Radiation Are We Talking About?
Digital x-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film x-rays. A single digital dental x-ray exposes you to about 0.005 millisieverts of radiation.
To put that in perspective, you receive more radiation on a short airplane flight or during a day of normal background exposure. Dental x-ray radiation exposure from a full set of digital images is still well below that encountered from the environment around you.
When Does Your Dentist Recommend X-Rays?
Your dentist does not take x-rays at every visit just because it is routine. They base their decision on your individual needs. Factors include your current oral health, your age, any symptoms you are experiencing, and your risk level for conditions like decay or gum disease. If there are no concerns and you have a history of healthy checkups, you may need x-rays less often than a patient in active treatment or with new symptoms.
Keeping Exposure as Low as Possible
Dental professionals follow a principle called ALARA, which stands for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable." This means exactly what it sounds like: Your dentist uses the lowest amount of radiation needed to get the diagnostic information needed.
Digital technology makes this even lower by producing clear images at a fraction of the exposure of older film systems. When your dentist recommends safe digital x-rays in Wilmington, MA, it is because the diagnostic benefit outweighs the minimal exposure involved.
If you have questions about digital dental x-rays in Wilmington, MA, or want to know more about how imaging is used in your care, call Smile Life Dental.