Patients who are afraid of the dentist may be more skeptical about the safety of our procedures. This is an understandable and valid fear; there is nothing our Shodhan Dentistry experts love more than to help you understand the safety and efficiency of standardized dental practices. If you are wondering, “How safe are dental x-rays?” then you’ve come to the right place. This is a very safe procedure that does no harm when done the right way. Keep reading to learn more about the safety of our dental x-rays in Desert Hot Springs.
How Safe Are Dental X-Rays, Really?
There are almost no risks of danger when getting dental x-rays. As long as dentists and patients follow the standard procedure. The levels of radiation that you are exposed to during the x-ray process are so low that they cannot really do much to your body.
Not to mention, there are several safety precautions that our dental experts make sure to give you before exposing you to the x-ray process. You will be asked a series of questions before entering the x-ray room. These include inquiries about whether you are pregnant or if you have a preexisting immune condition.
3 Ways to Stay Safe During the Dental Procedure
X-ray safety is guaranteed, but there are still preventative measures you can take to ensure that you are not harmed during your dentist visit. This is what we recommend to give you a gentle and safe procedure each time you visit:
Maintain Low Settings
Dental technicians are trained to take all preventative measures when using the x-ray device. You will only receive radiation on the lowest setting for a very short period of time, usually less than 1 second each time a picture is taken. You don’t have to go through this process every single time you visit the dentist, further reducing your trips to the radiation machine.
Wear the Lead Apron
The dental technician will ask that you wear a lead vest during the x-ray process. This is a heavy article of clothing that is draped over your head and shoulders, covering both the front and back of your body. This is to protect your vital organs from the radiation rays, which are blocked by lead. Don’t worry, the dental technicians need to wear them too, as they go in and out of the x-ray room all day!
Get X-Rays Once or Twice Per Year
Again, you don’t need to get x-rays every single time you visit the dentist’s office. You only need to get them if it has been a while since your dentist last looked at the inside of your teeth. Or if you are visiting a new dentist for the first time. But if you still are concerned about x-rays, you can speak with your dentist about skipping them.
When Do X-Rays Become Unsafe?
The amount of radiation used in dental x-rays is minuscule. And it’s even smaller than what it used to be decades ago. A single x-ray puts out about 0.1mrem of radiation. Most people get more radiation from nature in a single year. For example, drinking water puts out about 5mrem per year. Cigarettes can fill you with over 1300mrem on an annual basis. In comparison, x-ray radiation is nigh undetectable. Still, it’s important to stay protected as much as possible during your dental visit.
Stay Safe and Secure with Our Innovative X-Ray Solutions!
The next time you are looking for safe and effective cosmetic dentistry in Desert Hot Springs, visit us at Shodhan Dentistry. We offer advanced solutions and treatments that invest the best in your dental health and well-being. We can help you improve your smile and the overall quality of your life when you call us today for a personal consultation.
