Radiation from dental x-rays

With recent publicity about radiation from dental x-rays, we've had questions about the safety of dental x-rays.  The following information is intended to help you make an informed decision about your health. 

Why are x-rays needed?

During a standard dental exam, the dentist is able to examine only visible surfaces of the teeth and soft tissue.  X-rays allow the dentist to see small cavities that are developing in between the teeth.  Once these areas have become visible in the mouth, the tooth may already be to the point where it needs a crown, root canal, or may even need to be extracted.  Routine x-rays allow us to diagnose small cavities and stop them before they become bigger and more costly problems.  Additionally, x-rays allow the dentist to examine the mandible and maxilla for any unusual growths or abnormalities.  While cancer and tumors of the jaw are rare, the prognosis is always better the earlier they are treated. 

The amount of radiation that people receive is measured in millisieverts (mSv).  The following are typical radiation doses.

6.2 mSv/year = the average level of radiation per person in the US (this amounts to 0.017 mSv per day)
500 mSv/year = the safe allowable dose for people that are exposed to radiation in their work
0.0001 mSv = radiation received from 2 hours in a jet plane
0.7 mSv/year = radiation received from living in a brick house
0.10 mSv/year = radiation received from cooking with natural gas
0.02 mSv/year = radiation received from sleeping next to someone else (humans give off radiation)
0.36 mSv/year = radiation received from smoking one pack of cigarettes a day
0.42 mSv/year = radiation received from a breast mammogram (per breast)
7 mSv = radiation from an abdominal x-ray
0.63 mSv/year = radiation from living in the Colorado Plateau area
0.005 mSv = one dental x-ray

The amount of radiation that a patient receives during dental x-rays is very small when compared to other sources of radiation in every day life.  In addition, our office uses modern digital x-rays.  The amount of radiation received from a digital x-ray can decrease up to another 80% compared to standard film x-rays.  That means that while a standard x-ray gives off 0.005 mSv, a digital x-ray can give off as little as 0.001 mSv. 

Our office takes multiple types of x-rays.  The effective doses are:

Panoramic x-ray = 0.02 mSv
3D x-ray upper jaw = 0.019 mSv
3D x-ray lower jaw = 0.04 mSv
Maxillary posterior = 0.0098 mSv
Maxillary anterior = 0.0053 mSv
Mandibular posterior = 0.0383 mSv
Mandibular anterior = 0.021 mSv
Posterior bitewing = 0.0228 mSv

As always, your safety is our top priority.  We use digital radiographs and ensure our patients are draped with a lead apron.  If you have any questions or concerns about the x-rays we prescribe, please talk to your dentist or hygienist.  To learn more about our practice, please visit us online at www.kalamazoodds.com.