Low Radiation Dental X-Rays
Periodic x-rays are an important part of maintaining your oral and systemic health.
X-rays allow examination of areas that cannot be seen any other way. Routine x-rays, which include check-up x-rays taken annually, and a full set of x-rays taken every 3-5 years, allow for early detection and can prevent the need for more complex treatment. Periodontal disease and cavities are often painless, and there may be no warning signs. A minor problem can turn into a serious one in a short time — early detection is critical. Sometimes x-rays can point to a systemic condition like diabetes, heart disease or cancer.
Concerned about x-rays?
Our office utilizes the most up to date digital technology to obtain the most accurate images at the very lowest exposure level. High speed digital sensors and computers have replaced traditional film-based x-rays. The exposure using our digital units is at a minimum.
The exposures to radiation during typical dental x-rays are listed below in millirems, a measurement of radiation. The maximum on yearly exposure for Canadian and US radiation workers has been set at 5,000 millirems.
You would have to have 1,750 dental X-Rays to equal one lower GI series. It would take 10,000 dental x-rays to reach your maximum safe yearly dose. A coast-to-coast flight will expose you to 4 millirems of radiation, or four dental check-up radiographs.
