Frequently we encounter patients that have concerns about dental x-rays and radiation exposure.  Most people do not realize that Dental radiography has made huge advances in the last several years.  At Prospect Hill Dental, we use 100% Digital Radiography which exposes patients to FAR less radiation than traditional film based x-rays.

Below, I have posted a chart that puts radiation exposure into perspective.  Look at where Digital Dental x-rays fall on the chart; right at the bottom!  A walk in the park typically exposes people to more radiation than having dental x-rays!  Combine that with the myriad of problems that can be exposed  (and treated early) with dental x-rays and you can see why we consider dental x-rays safe and so important.

HIGH DOSE GROUP

MEDIUM DOSE GROUP

LOW DOSE GROUP

You would have to take 20,000 dental x-rays to equal the radiation in 1 mammograml We would have to take almost 100,000 dental x-rays to reach your maximum safe yearly dose!

To put things in perspective, each time you fly from coast to coast on an airplane you receive 4 millirems of background radiation, or the equivalent of 80 Digital Computerized Dental Bitewing X~Rays. There is background radiation from concrete buildings, roads, and of course the sun! Just standing around outside for several minutes, you receive more than 3 bitewing x-rays worth of radiation every day!’ ,

When you weigh these facts against the serious consequences of cavities, gum disease, abscesses, and oral cancer that can go undetected without dental x-rays, plus, the additional x-rays that would be needed to treat those conditions, there is no question that having low dose computerized digital dental x-rays taken as needed is safe and effective!

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.