Are dental X-rays harmful to you?
X rays are advised so that we can have an idea about the depth of decay in your tooth, the condition of bone surrounding your tooth, position of tooth in relation to important landmarks and other teeth, condition of your nerve inside the tooth and many more such things.
Thus X-rays play an integral part to reach to the final diagnosis of your tooth.
So is that true?
No we can’t skip the X-ray, but yes the concern that X-rays are harmful is a myth
The radiation exposure in that small X-ray called IOPA of the tooth is very less. It is the least as compared to all the X-rays taken for other parts of the body. Moreover digital X-rays are now being used.They further reduce the radiation dose by 60-65%.
If you are still skeptical about even the least radiation dose from these digital X-rays, then there are also lead apron available which can be worn and the radiation exposure will be almost nil.
Moreover, the patient gets exposed only to few X-rays, but the dentist takes X-rays for multiple patients in a day. And yes, nothing happens to them, which again is a proof that X-rays are not harmful
It is only if you are pregnant, that you should inform your dentist before taking the X-ray. No other contradicts taking X-ray.
Hence now when you visit your dentist, don’t be fearful that X-rays are harmful.
D-CARE