A dental examination does not typically involve risks and is an important factor for a person’s overall health care. In addition, the amount of radiation a patient is exposed to when receiving dental x-rays is very low. However, the effects of radiation are cumulative and people are often exposed to minute levels of radiation in their daily lives. Although dental x-rays are considered safe, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends avoiding unnecessary exposure.

At the dental office, precautions against unnecessary exposure include the use of a lead apron, which blocks radiation from entering the chest, abdominal and pelvic areas. In addition, radiation is directed at as small an area as possible, and fast film speed means a person is exposed to radiation for less than a second. In addition, if a person has had dental x-rays taken recently, a new dentist may be able to obtain those records rather than take more x-rays.

The frequency of dental x-rays depends on the results of a patient’s dental examination, as well as an individual’s dental history and risk of tooth decay. Some patients may require x-rays several times a year, whereas others may only require them once every year or two. A dentist can determine how often x-rays are needed in each case.

Patients who are pregnant should advise the dentist of their condition. X-ray radiation poses a small risk to an unborn child. However, this should be weighed against the need to treat an existing dental infection, which also poses a health risk to an unborn child.