Dental X-rays are an important part of your oral health care. But like any other medical procedure, you need to be aware of a few myths and realities about dental x-rays. In this article, we’ll discuss the five most common dental x-ray myths and what the truth actually is.
Myth 1: Dental X-rays can be harmful due to the radiation passing through the patient’s head
Fact: The radiation emitted during dental X-rays has been found harmless and poses no danger. The amount of time needed to take an x-ray has decreased due to technological developments, so multiple X-rays can now be taken in a short time. Radiation can now also be focused on teeth and mouth alone, excluding the other parts of the head.
Myth 2: Do I need an X-ray every other time I visit the dentist?
Fact: The frequency of X-rays will depend on oral health. A healthy person who hasn’t had cavities or other problems for some time does not need to be X-rayed every time.
However, if you have an unstable dental situation that requires your dentist to monitor the progress, you will likely need X-rays more often. Remember, dental X-rays emit very low levels of radiation and are an essential tool to allow dentists to maintain control over small problems.
Myth 3: Never expose a pregnant woman or a child to radiography
Fact: It is recommended that pregnant women and children not be exposed to dental X-rays. There are many myths surrounding dental X-rays, one of which is that they can expose a pregnant woman or child to radiation. The truth is, that dental X-rays use a very small amount of radiation, and the exposure time for a pregnant woman or child is very brief. However, if a woman is pregnant, it is advisable to wait until after the delivery for a dental x-ray.
Myth 4: Digital dental X-Rays are unsafe due to teeth’s proximity to the brain
Fact: Proximity to the brain does not pose any danger. The amount of dental x-ray cannot damage the brain. However, it is important to undergo an x-ray only when it is necessary and has been recommended by the dentist.
Myth 5: Dental assistants leave the room when taking x-rays because it is dangerous
Fact: The amount of radiation exposure someone would receive from a single x-ray image is negligible. However, if an individual was to have one or two x-rays per day, it could be dangerous due to too much exposure. Therefore, dental staff need to protect themselves while taking the x-rays to patients since they do it quite often to different patients.
Bottom line
Dental x-rays are a valuable tool for the dentist and play an important role in diagnosing and managing different dental conditions. Unfortunately, there are many myths circulating about dental x-rays that can be potentially harmful to your oral health. It is important to be aware of these myths so that you can make informed decisions about your oral health and receive the best possible care from your dentist.
Visit us at Carrum Downs Dental Clinic and address any concerns you might have about dental x-rays and provide the best dental care to you.
