How Safe Are Dental X-rays
Dental X-rays do involve radiation but the exposure levels are so low that they’re considered safe for children and adults. American College of Radiology reports that all the x-rays a patient would get only sends about .005 millisieverts of radiation to the body. That’s about what you get from being out in the sun just in one day.
The amount of radiation dental x-rays give patients is so minimal, you don’t have to be concerned. Digital x-rays, which Li’l Sunshine Smiles uses, are even lower than traditional dental x-rays. This means your risks from radiation exposure are even lower.
Digital X-Rays Are Safer
One of the great advantages of digital dental x-rays is that they take multiple intra-oral x-rays in minimal time with far less radiation exposure than conventional radiography. (Digital x-rays have up to 85 percent less radiation exposure to be exact.)
Conventional radiography systems are unable to provide you with these results. With conventional x-rays, patients are limited to a fixed number of images per radiography session while being exposed to more radiation.
Radiation exposure is low with dental x-rays. Li’l Sunshine Smiles takes care to make sure that none of our patients receive more exposure to radiation than absolutely necessary during an office visit.
Protective lead aprons and thyroid collars are used ( especially for pregnant women) or women of childbearing years and children.
Understanding the Benefits of Digital Dental X-rays
When it comes to the benefits of digital dental x-rays vs. traditional x-rays, the list is long. Your Dentistry Guide sums them up nicely below:
- Detect Hidden Decay. Digital radiographs find small, hidden areas of decay between teeth or below existing fillings. These x-rays can also uncover bone infections, gum disease, abscesses or cysts, developmental abnormalities and tumors. All of these issues would fly under the radar with only a visual dental examination. This early detection saves money, pain, and more complicated problems.
- Project images instantly. Digital dental x-rays capture images instantly on any computer screen. After, they can be enhanced in contrast and detail for better diagnosing. They can also be sent electronically to specialists, insurance companies or other consulting doctors with no loss of quality.
- Support an eco-friendly digital storage model. Small, space-saving drives can store tons of digital data.
- Eliminate chemical processing and hazardous wastes. Digital x-rays don’t require chemicals or lead foil for processing helping provide an eco-friendly alternative.
- Emit less radiation per treatment. Digital sensors and PSP (photostimulable phosphor) plates are more sensitive to X-radiation and require 50 to 80 percent less radiation than film. This technology adheres to the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, which promotes radiation safety.
- Promote patient education. Digital dental x-rays allow the operator to use contrast, color, 3-D, and zooming features, to better illustrate to patients and parents what is going on inside the mouth. Digital images of problem areas can be transferred and enhanced on a computer screen next to the patient’s chair.
Call Dr. Botero at Li’l Sunshine Smiles at (813) 576-0200 to schedule an appointment and to learn more about dental x-rays.