Dental X-ray - Harmful?
Understanding dental X-rays – What exactly does it mean?
To understand what a dental X-ray entails, we must first understand what an X-ray and X-radiation actually mean. X-rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation. During the process, X-ray photons are emitted, and due to their high energy, they fall into the physiologically hazardous category of ionizing radiation. It's important to recognize that everyone is exposed to a certain amount of natural radiation present in our environment (from the earth, space, and even food). Artificially, X-rays are generated in an X-ray tube, which essentially consists of two electrodes placed in a vacuum. When high voltage is applied, the radiation itself is produced.
Medical fields frequently utilize X-rays, with dental diagnostics being one of the most common applications. A dental X-ray is a diagnostic tool that employs the previously mentioned, artificially generated X-ray in a highly controlled and directed manner. Its usage requires dental X-ray authorization, a procedure that ensures the installed equipment and its surroundings comply with all legal regulations.
Types of dental X-ray equipment
Digital or analog dental X-ray
Dental X-ray devices can be classified into different types and categorized in various ways. We can differentiate between analog (traditional) and digital X-ray machines. In the former, an image is created on a traditional X-ray film, which is developed using a specialized developer. In the latter, a digital sensor captures the radiation signals, and the result can be evaluated on a computer monitor within seconds. This advancement in digital dentistry offers several notable advantages over analog devices.
- Immediate evaluation
- Significantly lower radiation exposure
- Detailed imaging
- Easily shareable format
2D or 3D dental X-ray
Another way to classify dental X-rays is based on the type of image they produce. In this regard, we can talk about 2D or 3D images. While 2D images are available in both analog and digital formats, 3D dental CT scans require a digital CT machine, as the X-rays that hit the sensor are processed by a complex computer algorithm to create a 3-dimensional image.
The resulting image is essentially divided into slices of the scanned area, and from these slices, the complete three-dimensional image is formed. 2D images can also be classified based on the type and size of the image. We can talk about panoramic X-ray images and intraoral X-ray images. The former provides an overview of the entire dentition, while the latter offers more precise images of smaller areas within the oral cavity.
The harmful effects of dental X-rays
Dental X-rays involve ionizing radiation, which, like all X-rays, has harmful effects on living tissues. Therefore, in every case, the ratio of diagnostic radiation exposure must be evaluated, and a responsible decision should be made accordingly. A key factor in this decision is the fact that modern equipment provides excellent diagnostic opportunities with minimal dental X-ray radiation exposure.
Nevertheless, the issue remains relevant, as the amount of radiation we are exposed to throughout our lives accumulates, and above a certain level, it can cause cell-damaging processes. In this sense, many small exposures can add up, but it really matters how small each exposure is. Let's look at this in numbers.
The level of radiation exposure from dental CT.
- Natural background radiation is approximately 2-3 millisieverts per year
- Chest X-ray is approximately 0.02 millisieverts
- Dental CT (200 μm voxel size) with normal resolution is approximately 0.086 millisieverts
- Dental CT (200 μm voxel size) with normal resolution using Ultra Low Dose technology is approximately 0.02 millisieverts
- Panoramic X-ray is approximately 0.004-0.01 millisieverts
- Intraoral X-ray is approximately 0.001 millisieverts
In this context, the amount of natural background radiation over a full year is equivalent to the radiation exposure from approximately 50 dental CT scans. Based on this, modern equipment can be considered safe. Safety can further be enhanced by using the so-called Ultra Low Dose technology.
The effect of dental X-rays on pregnancy
Dental check-ups are essential during pregnancy, as hormonal changes in the body can also affect the teeth.
Dental X-rays are not recommended for pregnant women and should be avoided. This is especially true during the first trimester, as the fetus is most sensitive to harmful effects at this stage. From the second trimester onward, targeted X-ray examinations may be performed if absolutely necessary, as modern equipment is safe due to its low radiation exposure.
Dental X-rays and breastfeeding
Dental X-rays during breastfeeding do not pose a risk, so there is no need to suspend breastfeeding when X-ray diagnostics are performed. It is also important to note that areas below the neck are protected with a lead apron, meaning these body parts are not exposed to radiation.
In conclusion, it can be said that modern dental X-rays are safe, as they involve minimal radiation exposure to the body. One of the criteria for selecting our equipment was that it should be the least harmful to the body while providing highly precise imaging. If you would like to safely assess the current condition of your teeth, please contact us at 053 930 1323.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about the harmful effects of dental X-rays.
How much dental X-ray exposure is harmful?
It is difficult to provide a quantitative answer to this question, as X-rays are inherently harmful to health. However, new equipment remains safe, even with repeated exposure, as it involves minimal radiation. Older X-ray devices, on the other hand, pose much higher radiation exposure to the body. Therefore, it is advisable to visit a dental clinic equipped with modern technology, such as Helvetic Clinics.
Is the X-ray radiation visible?
X-ray radiation is not visible to the naked eye, which is why the X-ray machine emits a beeping sound when an image is being taken.
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