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Dental X-Ray
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This page describes dental x-rays and how they are used in a dentist office.
On this page:
Overview
Approximately 100 MILLION dental x-rays are done each year in the United States. Dental x–rays provide your dentist with a vital tool that shows the condition of your teeth including roots, jaw placements, and the overall composition of your facial bones.
In a dentist's office you are most likely to encounter radiation from a diagnostic x-ray. X-rays pass more easily through the soft tissues of our bodies than through our bones and organs. After passing through our body, x-rays strike a special x-ray film, creating an image showing shadows where our bones, organs and other dense masses, like teeth, have absorbed x-rays.
Like microwaves, radio waves, and visible light, the x-rays produced by an x-ray machine are a form of electromagnetic radiation. Unlike microwaves, radio waves, and visible light, x-rays are ionizing radiation, which is capable of removing electrons from atoms and damaging living cells and the DNA of those cells. However, since x-ray machines only produce radiation during operation and the amount of radiation used is small, resulting medical problems are unlikely.
Dental x-rays are usually conducted to:
- Detect problems in the mouth such as tooth decay, damage to the bones supporting the teeth, and dental injuries (such as broken tooth roots).
- Detect teeth that are abnormally placed or don't break through the gums properly.
- Evaluate the presence and location of permanent teeth growing in the jaw of a child who still has baby teeth.
- Plan treatment for large or extensive cavities, root canal surgery, placement of dental implants, and difficult tooth removals.
- Plan for orthodontic treatment, like braces.
Who is protecting you
The States
State radiation programs, in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regulate, register, and inspect x-ray equipment used in medical, dental, and veterinary procedures.U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
While the states regulate use of x-ray equipment, FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) regulates the manufacturing of electronic radiation-emitting products.National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The mission of NIST is to develop and promote measurement, standards, and technology to enhance productivity, facilitate trade, and improve the quality of life. Although a non-regulatory federal agency, NIST makes x-ray machines safer for patients and workers by updating the technology and measurement standards upon which x-ray machines are based.
What you can do to protect yourself
Only trained and qualified persons should operate x-ray machines. You can best protect yourself by only having x-ray procedures performed by qualified personnel. You should follow any instructions given by your dentist. To prevent any unnecessary exposures, a lead apron may be used to shield the parts of your body not being x-rayed. Tell your dentist if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, or are nursing.
Finally, before having an x-ray, if you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist.
Resources
| A Measure of Confidence: NIST and Quality in Health Care 2006. National Institute of Standards and Technology This site provides information on NIST’s role in radiation protection in the health care field. |
| American Dental Association: Oral health topics 2005. American Dental Association This page provides answers to frequently asked questions about dental x-rays. |
| EPA – Gamma Rays 2005. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency This page uses a question and answer format to provide basic information on gamma rays, including how they differ from x-rays. |
| Federal Guidance 2006. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency This page provides links to EPA’s Federal Guidance, including guidance for diagnostic x-rays. |
| Ionizing & Non-Ionizing Radiation 2005. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency This page offers basic information on ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. |
| Ionizing Radiation Machines – X-Rays 2005. Florida Department of Health This page provides facts on x-ray machines. |
| Man-Made Radiation: Medicine and Nuclear Power (PDF) in Radiation Risks and Realities Booklet (16pp, 1.17Mb ) [EPA 402-K-07-006] May 2007. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency This booklet provides facts on x-ray machines and other sources of radiation. |
| State Radiation Protection Programs 2005. Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors This page gives information on the state radiation protection programs and they role they play in protecting patients from unnecessary exposure from x-ray machines. |
| The Selection of Patients for X-Ray Examinations: Dental Radiographic Examinations 2004. U.S. Food and Drug Administration This document provides guidance to doctors on how to best treat each patient regarding dental x-rays. |
| We Want You to Know About X-Rays: Get the Picture on Protection 1999. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Devices and Radiological Health This page offers information on the risks and benefits of medical x-rays, as well as information on what you should know before having a medial x-ray. |