Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
- by Milena Marguenski
- •
- 14 Jun, 2021
- •
An oral x-ray is customary for a routine dental visit.
The x-ray presents a dentist with the most comprehensive dental overview that clearly defines the disease and the extent of damage to the roots & bones, and also evaluates the teeth for possible cavities — all these things are not visible during a visual checkup.
However, people are concerned about the safety of dental x-rays; they wonder, is it safe to undergo the radiation? So, let’s talk about this in detail:-
Radiation We are Exposed to In Our Day-to-Day Lives
The worrisome aspect of a dental x-ray is radiation exposure. Although radiation is a scary term, we are exposed to a lot of radiation in our everyday lives.
The radiation is measured in rems. However, in the medical industry, the radiation is quite small and measured in mrems, one-thousandth of rem.
Below Are the Most Common Examples of Radiation in Our Daily Lives:
- Having a Banana- 0.00mrem.
- Natural Radiation in the Human Body- 0.04 mrem.
- Airport scan is 0.001 mrem.
On average, one can expect the tradition to be somewhere between 200-360 mrem annually, which is way lower than the fatal mark of one million mrem.
X-Rays and Dental Safety
So, how much radiation are you exposed to during your dental x-ray ? The answer is digital dental x-ray is 0.4 mrem, and for film dental x-ray, the average is 0.6-0.9 mrem. Therefore, the many benefits of dental x-rays outweigh the small amount of radiation.
Dental x-rays provide dentists with much-needed detailed information about the gums and teeth; and certain information that you might not be able to see via the naked eye. However, pregnant women are not advised to undergo the dental x-ray; and this is merely a precautionary measure.
In a nutshell, dental x-rays are safe and don’t make it an excuse to skip your upcoming dental checkup. Visit your
family dental care Brooklyn clinic today.
Precautions Associated with Dental X-Rays
- Your dentist must place a lead vest on your pelvic, abdomen, and region to prevent radiation exposure to reach your vital organs.
- If you have a thyroid condition, then ask your dentist for a thyroid collar.
- Digital dental x-rays are much safer than film x-rays.
- Women who are pregnant must avoid all types of X-rays.
Preparing for Dental X-Rays
No additional preparation is needed for a dental x-ray. The only thing you have to do is to brush your teeth in the morning before the appointment.
It creates a hygienic environment for your dentist to physically evaluate your teeth, and your dental x-ray will be much clearer.
At your dentist's clinic, you will sit on a chair with a lead vest across your lap and chest. The dental x-ray will be placed aligning with your head to record the image of your mouth.
Some dental offices have a separate dental x-ray room, while many perform in the same room as another procedure like cleaning.
The Bottom Line
Like daily brushing and dental check-ups, dental x-rays are integral to achieving optimum overall dental health. Having a proper dental checkup is vital, but at the same time, it doesn't mean you should keep getting your dental x-rays.
Depending on your health, age, and insurance, x-rays must not be done more than once or twice a year. If you have more concerns and doubts regarding dental x-rays, Call us at 718.573.3333 or write to us at info@parkdentalbk.com
Brooklyn residents often wonder whether their tap water is helping or harming their dental health. One key factor in this debate is
fluoride
, a naturally occurring mineral added to public water supplies to prevent cavities. But does Brooklyn tap water really protect your teeth from decay? In this blog,
we’ll
uncover the truth about fluoride levels in NYC’s water and whether it plays a significant role in cavity prevention.
Sudden gum swelling is a dental condition that requires immediate attention, even if there is no pain. Gum health is often overlooked, but it is essential for overall oral well- being. Swollen gums may seem harmless at first, but they often indicate underlying issues that can worsen if left untreated.
Many people think of dental emergencies as situations with severe pain, but it's important to understand that discomfort isn't always a reliable sign of serious problems. Just because there is no pain doesn't mean there is no risk. Sudden gum swelling should be treated as an emergency , emphasizing the need for prompt professional evaluation.
Ignoring swollen gums can lead to more severe complications, affecting both oral health and general wellness. By understanding the seriousness of this condition and
seeking timely intervention, you can prevent further damage and ensure that your gums—and teeth—stay healthy and strong.
A skilled dental team can properly assess and treat any swelling. Prioritize your gum health by taking action when you notice unusual changes, protecting your smile for the future.
It's important to remember that maintaining good oral hygiene, including flossing your teeth regularly , can help prevent conditions like gum swelling. Additionally, if you're interested in improving your smile beyond just addressing gum issues, there are various options available in cosmetic dentistry that you should know about. Finally, if you're looking for ways to achieve a brighter smile, there are effective methods on how to get whiter and brighter teeth at home that you might find helpful.
If you thought that oral health problems are only for adults, then think again. The first teeth start appearing by 4 to 5 months of age. Then by the age of 3, kids have a full set of teeth. This is the time when parents have to be extremely careful about oral hygiene.
By the age of 6-7, the primary teeth start to fall out to make space for the permanent teeth. These permanent teeth are the ones that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. However, there are certain oral problems such as tooth decay, lip sucking, and early teeth loss.
Let’s take a look at these common oral health problems.
With the procedures’ popularity, several pharmaceutical companies launched their over-the-counter teeth whitening kits. This made the procedure more accessible and cheaper as compared to a professional session.
But which one is better? Let’s understand both the procedures first.
