We have all heard the rumors about dental X-rays: “They are dangerous.” “They expose you to large amounts of radiation.” “They are harmful to children.” But how much of this is actually true and how much is just that, rumors?
In today’s blog, we will go through exactly what dental X-rays are and why they are necessary for your overall oral health.
We will also debunk some common misconceptions about dental X-rays.
What Are Dental X-Rays?
Dental X-rays are images that allow dentists or orthodontists to see beneath the skin of your jaw area and gums. Also known as radiographs, they show your teeth, jawbone, and the structures surrounding them.
Essentially, dental X-rays allow dentists to detect issues with your teeth that they would not otherwise be able to see with the naked eye, such as bone infections, decay between teeth, bone deterioration, gum disease, and other problems.
Similar to going to a dentist every six months for a routine checkup, dental X-rays are a preventive care treatment that ensures your teeth and gums remain healthy. They help to catch problems before they actually become problems.
However, unlike routine checkups, you do not need a dental X-ray every six months or even yearly. As long as you have a history of good oral hygiene and no systemic issues, you can go longer without an X-ray.
Common Misconceptions About Dental X-Rays
Now that we have already debunked one myth about dental X-rays (that you need to have one every year), let’s get into refuting some more.
Myth 1: Dental X-Rays Expose Patients to Large Amounts of Radiation
Something that not many people know is that we are constantly surrounded by radiation. It falls down from space in microscopic particles. It occurs naturally in the Earth and is in the air we breathe, water we drink, and food we eat.
Radiation also comes from man-made sources like microwaves, television, and construction materials.
The point is, humans are surrounded by radiation, and the yearly safe amount is 6.2 millisieverts. A typical dental X-ray ranges from 0.005 to 0.01 millisieverts. This is a miniscule amount of radiation that should not affect any person negatively.
In fact, with modern digital X-rays, this amount is actually less. You would receive more radiation from a three hour airplane flight.
Myth 2: Dental X-Rays Are Unsafe for Children
It is true that children are more susceptible to radiation due to their small size and still developing bodies. However, professional dentists and orthodontists, like those at Sedki Dentistry, take the necessary precautions to ensure children remain safe.
In addition, the Image Gently campaign is a nationwide program that develops X-ray safety protocols specifically aimed at children, such as including thyroid collars, only taking X-rays when necessary, and limiting the exposure time. In essence, when you choose a reputable oral practitioner, X-rays are not harmful to children.
Myth 3: X-Rays Are Dangerous, Which Is Why Dental Assistants and Doctors Leave the Room
As we discussed earlier, the amount of radiation patients receive during an X-ray is negligible and will not affect their long-term health. For dental assistants and doctors, though, this is a little different. Where patients receive an X-ray maybe once a year, dental professionals are giving X-rays multiple times a day, every day. This amount of radiation can add up, which is why they leave the room.
Myth 4: I Don’t Need an X-Ray Unless I Am in Pain
The true purpose of a dental X-ray is preventative maintenance. It allows dentists and orthodontists to see oral issues and treat them before they cause pain. In fact, many oral problems do not cause symptoms until they are advanced.
By the time you feel pain, you may be facing a root canal, extraction, or worse. Dental X-rays should identify the issue before it causes any of these unsavory problems.
Keep Up On Dental Care for You and Your Family
While the idea of a dental X-ray may cause some to hesitate, the truth is they are completely safe and low risk. They are also an essential tool to maintain your oral health.
To schedule your next dental X-ray or routine dental checkup, call Sedki Dentistry in Commerce Twp and speak to one of our team members. Our dental clinic is full service and offers cosmetic dentistry, dental treatments, gum rejuvenation and more to keep your smile looking radiant and beautiful!