If you have a hole or a painful tooth, your Dentist will most likely request for a dental X-ray to know the extent of decay/damage and arrive at a diagnosis. This will help show the whole tooth and the surrounding structures.
Dental X-rays are diagnostic as well as preventive. If you are visiting the dentist for the first time, you may be required to take a set of X-rays; this will show the state of your teeth and gums as well as reveal dental conditions you may not be aware of.
Dental X-rays are safe, the amount of radiation released with each session is low and is limited to the area the X-ray cone is placed. The risk of being exposed to radiation is therefore very low.
Your dentist leaves the room every time he/she takes an X-ray because he/she takes X-rays many times a day for several patients. Since you do not take these X-rays everyday you do not have anything to worry about. Despite the safety of dental X-rays, always request to have a Lead apron with each X-ray session.
Precautions
- Lead apron & Thyroid collar: these are protective cloths made of lead which prevents the penetration of X-rays. The lead apron is used to cover the chest, abdomen and pelvis(tummy and below) while the thyroid collar covers the neck.
- Pregnancy status: inform your dentist if you are pregnant as your dentist may decide to postpone the X-rays. If the X-rays are absolutely important for your treatment, he/she will cover your pelvis(your tummy and below) with a lead apron.
X-rays are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. If you are not sure of your pregnancy status, insist on having a lead apron.