Your dentist can’t treat you without diagnostic radiology also known as X-rays. The images of intraoral basic radiography, in 3D or panoramic help your dentist determine the best treatment plan for you. Some of us have the misconception that dental x-ray equipment emits radiation that’s harmful to humans. Some of us have other misconceptions about dental x-rays. In this article, we will discuss some of these misconceptions and myths around dental x-rays.
Myth #1: You need a dental X-Ray every time you visit the dentist
Reality: People with good oral health often don’t need an x-ray when they visit their dentist. On the other hand, if you are being treated for an unstable dental situation, and your dentist needs to monitor your oral health, you may need x-rays more often.
Myth #2: Digital dental X-Rays expose you to an unsafe amount of radiation
Reality: Human doesn’t stay completely deprived of radiation. Nature emits a very small amount of radiation and many other things that leaves the human vulnerable to radiation. In dental x-rays, humans are only exposed to an average of 0.005 to 0.01 mSv, where the average dose per person on the Earth is 2.4 mSv.
Myth #3: Too many digital dental X-Rays can lead to brain tumors
Reality: An article, “Dental X-Rays and Risk of Meningioma”, by Yale University epidemiologists published in 2012 found that dental x-rays increase the risk of meningioma, a benign brain tumour. The researchers claim that dental x-rays are the main artificial source of exposure to ionizing radiation in the United States, a form of radiation associated with an increased risk of brain tumours. However, a few years ago, the Order of Quebec Dentists refuted the finding of the article. According to the organization, this does not prove a causal relationship between ionizing radiation of dental origin and the development of meningioma.
Myth #4: Digital dental X-Rays are relatively more unsafe due to teeth’s proximity to the brain
Reality: Proximity doesn’t have a direct connection with cancer risk. However, cumulative exposure of radiation to your body is considered a factor that directly relates to cancer risk.
Myth #5: Digital dental X-Rays are dangerous for children health
Reality: Digital x-rays emit little to no radiation, which doesn’t affect your child’s overall health at all. However, diagnosing a dental abnormality through an x-ray may save your kid’s smile and save them from further dental complications.
Myth #6: Digital dental X-Rays are more harmful to pregnant ladies
Reality: During a dental x-ray, only a certain part of a person’s body is exposed to the radiation. The x-ray process is very brief and the radiation doesn’t stay in the nursing mother’s body. So, in a word, no, digital dental x-rays are not more harmful to pregnant ladies.
Dr. Salim Kapadia Dental Centre has received the best dental office in Scarborough 2020 award. At our office, we are committed to making our patient’s dental experience as safe and as comfortable as possible. We use advanced, industry-leading technologies to deliver safe and reliable general, cosmetic and preventative dentistry in Scarborough.
