Worried About Dental X-Rays? Here’s the truth!
Most people worry about radiation from dental X-rays, but here’s something surprising, you actually get more radiation from a cross-country flight than from your dental visit. However, here in Prostho Endo Dental Group, we use the latest technology such as PearlAI for smarter and more accurate dental care.
It’s a common fear, and understandably so the word “radiation” sounds alarming but at Prostho Endo Dental Group, we want to set the record straight.
It’s a common fear, and understandably so the word “radiation” sounds alarming but at Prostho Endo Dental Group, we want to set the record straight.
Key Takeaways
- Let's look up the numbers of what gives you less radiation or more radiation. Hard to believe… until you see the numbers.
- Did you know that Modern Dental X-Rays use 90% less radiation than before?
- Scared of Dental X-Rays? Here's how we do it so you don't have to be scared.
Thanks to modern advancements in dental technology, the X-rays we use are not only safe but incredibly low in radiation exposure, far less than many everyday activities.
And here's a recent update that might surprise you: the latest ADA guidelines no longer recommend the routine use of lead (iron) aprons during dental X-rays. That’s how confident our experts are in the safety of today’s digital imaging.
We use digital X-rays that give us really clear images while using way less radiation than older systems. The best part is they help us catch problems early, often before you'd even feel anything so we can keep treatment simple and straightforward.
It's honestly one of the smartest ways we have to keep your smile healthy and help you avoid surprises.
In this article, we’ll break down what radiation really is, how much you’re actually exposed to during air travel versus a dental X-ray, and why dental X-rays are not just safe, but essential.
By the end, you’ll understand why these small, routine images play such a big role in your long-term dental wellness.
And here's a recent update that might surprise you: the latest ADA guidelines no longer recommend the routine use of lead (iron) aprons during dental X-rays. That’s how confident our experts are in the safety of today’s digital imaging.
We use digital X-rays that give us really clear images while using way less radiation than older systems. The best part is they help us catch problems early, often before you'd even feel anything so we can keep treatment simple and straightforward.
It's honestly one of the smartest ways we have to keep your smile healthy and help you avoid surprises.
In this article, we’ll break down what radiation really is, how much you’re actually exposed to during air travel versus a dental X-ray, and why dental X-rays are not just safe, but essential.
By the end, you’ll understand why these small, routine images play such a big role in your long-term dental wellness.
Understanding Radiation And Why It’s Not Always a Bad Thing
We know “radiation” sounds scary. It does to everyone. But here's the thing: you are actually getting radiation all day, every day. From the sun when you're outside, from the ground, heck, even from bananas. It's just part of being alive, and we're all totally fine.
So like, just to give you an idea, you absorb about 3,000 microsieverts of radiation every year just from normal life. A dental X-ray is five. Five! That's basically what you'd get from living your regular life for a couple of days.
The amount we're talking about is really, really small. And honestly? What we can see from those images is so worth it. We catch cavities, infections and bone loss. Stuff that would eventually hurt and cost a lot more to fix. So yeah, tiny bit of exposure, but it helps us keep you out of trouble down the road.
Radiation from Air Travel And What’s Really Happening Up There
Here's something wild. Every time you fly, you are actually getting way more radiation than from a dental X-ray. Up there above the clouds, there's less atmosphere protecting you from cosmic rays coming from space. It's totally safe, but it's way more than what you get here.
A flight from New York to LA? That's 35 to 70 microsieverts. Basically like getting 14 dental X-rays at once. But we book flights all the time without even thinking about it.
A flight from New York to LA? That's 35 to 70 microsieverts. Basically like getting 14 dental X-rays at once. But we book flights all the time without even thinking about it.
So next time you are here getting X-rays done, just remember that you will get more radiation on your next trip to visit family or go on vacation than you will sitting in this chair. It kind of puts the whole thing in perspective, you know?
The X-rays we do here are nothing compared to stuff we do all the time without even thinking about it.
The X-rays we do here are nothing compared to stuff we do all the time without even thinking about it.
Radiation from Dental X-Rays, Small Dose, Big Benefit
Dental X-Rays have come a long way in recent years. Thanks to modern digital technology, the amount of radiation used today is up to ninety percent lower than it used to be.
At Prostho Endo Dental Specialists, we rely on these digital X-rays to give us the clearest possible view of your teeth and bone structure while keeping radiation levels remarkably low.
To give you an idea of how small the dose really is, a single bitewing Dental X-Ray exposes you to about five microsieverts of radiation.
Even a full-mouth set of X-rays which is very thorough, only reaches around ninety microsieverts, still less than what you’d get from one long airplane flight. That’s how minimal these doses are.
And in line with the updated guidelines from the American Dental Association, we’ve adjusted our protocols to reflect the most current science.
The ADA no longer requires the use of lead (iron) aprons during dental X-rays, because today’s low-dose systems make that level of shielding unnecessary in most cases.
Your safety has always been a priority and now, it's backed by national standards.
At Prostho Endo Dental Specialists, we rely on these digital X-rays to give us the clearest possible view of your teeth and bone structure while keeping radiation levels remarkably low.
To give you an idea of how small the dose really is, a single bitewing Dental X-Ray exposes you to about five microsieverts of radiation.
Even a full-mouth set of X-rays which is very thorough, only reaches around ninety microsieverts, still less than what you’d get from one long airplane flight. That’s how minimal these doses are.
And in line with the updated guidelines from the American Dental Association, we’ve adjusted our protocols to reflect the most current science.
The ADA no longer requires the use of lead (iron) aprons during dental X-rays, because today’s low-dose systems make that level of shielding unnecessary in most cases.
Your safety has always been a priority and now, it's backed by national standards.
Putting It All in Perspective
When you really think about it, dental X-rays are nothing compared to a lot of everyday stuff.
You get more radiation just living at a higher elevation, hanging out in the sun for a day, or taking a flight to see your family. It's not something you need to worry about. It's actually helping keep you healthy.
Here's how I think about it: if you're cool with flying somewhere or spending a weekend hiking in the mountains, then dental X-rays really shouldn't be on your radar as a concern.
You get more radiation just living at a higher elevation, hanging out in the sun for a day, or taking a flight to see your family. It's not something you need to worry about. It's actually helping keep you healthy.
Here's how I think about it: if you're cool with flying somewhere or spending a weekend hiking in the mountains, then dental X-rays really shouldn't be on your radar as a concern.
They're super safe, they're quick, and honestly, they're kind of essential for catching problems early.
The peace of mind you get from knowing everything's good or catching something small before it becomes a big deal. That's worth way more than the tiny bit of exposure involved.
Why Dental X-Rays Matter More Than You Think!
X-rays aren't just about finding cavities. They let us see what's going on underneath everything. Inside your teeth, below the gumline, and in the bone.
We can catch infections, spot bone loss, see if teeth are impacted or growing weird, stuff you'd never know about just by looking in your mouth. Without X-rays, a lot of this stuff would just sit there getting worse until it starts hurting or needs major work.
We only take X-rays when there's actually a reason for it. And if we're suggesting one, we will always explain what we are looking for and why it matters for your care. No mysteries, no confusing dental terms.
We will just tell you what's up. When you actually understand what's happening and why, the whole experience is just better for everyone.
We can catch infections, spot bone loss, see if teeth are impacted or growing weird, stuff you'd never know about just by looking in your mouth. Without X-rays, a lot of this stuff would just sit there getting worse until it starts hurting or needs major work.
We only take X-rays when there's actually a reason for it. And if we're suggesting one, we will always explain what we are looking for and why it matters for your care. No mysteries, no confusing dental terms.
We will just tell you what's up. When you actually understand what's happening and why, the whole experience is just better for everyone.
The Bottom Line About Dental X-rays
Next time you're here, just know that dental X-rays are really one of the safest imaging tools out there. You'd need dozens of them to even come close to what you get from one long flight, and what they tell us about your teeth is super important.
We follow strict protocols, use digital equipment with minimal exposure, and now, with the ADA’s updated recommendation removing the need for iron aprons, your visit is even more streamlined without compromising safety.
So when you hear that little click of the X-ray machine, don’t stress. It’s just helping us keep your smile healthy for the long run.
We follow strict protocols, use digital equipment with minimal exposure, and now, with the ADA’s updated recommendation removing the need for iron aprons, your visit is even more streamlined without compromising safety.
So when you hear that little click of the X-ray machine, don’t stress. It’s just helping us keep your smile healthy for the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dental X-Rays really safe?
How often should I get Dental X-Rays?
Why are Dental X-Rays important for my oral health?
Final Takeaway
You truly get more radiation flying to your favorite vacation destination than you do from a quick set of Dental X-Rays. But while one trip may give you great memories, the other helps keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.
Here at Prostho Endo Dental Group in Bethesda and Vienna, we're all about using good technology while actually caring about you as a person. Your health and comfort? That's what matters to us.
If you've been avoiding X-rays because you were worried about them, hopefully now you get it. They're safe, they're smart, and they really do help us take care of you. Give us a call and come in. You'll feel a lot better knowing what's actually going on with your teeth.
Here at Prostho Endo Dental Group in Bethesda and Vienna, we're all about using good technology while actually caring about you as a person. Your health and comfort? That's what matters to us.
If you've been avoiding X-rays because you were worried about them, hopefully now you get it. They're safe, they're smart, and they really do help us take care of you. Give us a call and come in. You'll feel a lot better knowing what's actually going on with your teeth.
