Whether dental x-rays are safe or not is a common question. At Lakeside Dental in Folsom, we care about more than just your smile. Your overall health matters too! So let’s talk honestly about what dental x-rays are, why they are used, how much radiation they involve, and whether they’re considered safe.
Dental X-Rays Are Important
Just like brushing, flossing, and routine checkups, dental x-rays play an important role in protecting your long-term oral health. Dental x-rays allow us to see what isn’t visible during a visual exam, helping us detect issues such as cavities between teeth, infections, bone changes, and developing problems before they become painful or expensive to treat. With digital imaging, results appear almost instantly, allowing our dental team to review the images with you right away and discover anything that needs attention.
How Much Radiation is Involved?
Did you know that radiation exists naturally all around us? It comes from the Sun and the Earth, and even items we use or wear every day. Your cell phone, the microwave, some forms of jewelry, wristwatches, and even the banana you had for breakfast can emit radiation.
Therefore, the amount of radiation that comes from dental and medical x-rays combined makes up only a very small portion of a person’s total lifetime exposure. Most radiation exposure actually comes from the “background radiation” experienced during life on Earth, not from dental x-rays. Nevertheless, technologists have consistently focused on reducing the amount of radiation needed to make a useful x-ray image.
As a result, x-ray technology has consistently improved, decade by decade. Today’s digital x-ray systems use a minimal amount of radiation compared to machines used years ago. The Lakeside Dental team uses modern equipment that is carefully maintained, routinely calibrated, and designed to keep your x-ray exposure as low as possible.
Safety Measures Taken
At Lakeside Dental in Folsom, our patients’ safety is always a top priority. We make a point to take only necessary images and provide protection as required. Things we take into consideration when determining how often x-rays are needed:
- Age and stage of dental development
- Past dental concerns or treatment history
- Current symptoms or discomfort
- Risk factors for cavities or gum disease
If you’re pregnant, undergoing certain medical treatments, or have specific concerns, we always encourage you to discuss that with our dentists so we can make the best decision together.
Ask About X-Rays
We hope that this brief review of x-rays helps you feel more confident in the safety of x-rays used in dental offices everywhere. If you have additional questions or concerns, our team at Lakeside Dental is always happy to talk through them with you. Give us a call or schedule a consultation. We are here to help you feel informed, comfortable, and confident in your dental care.
