When someone hands you a heavy apron and steps behind a wall, it’s natural to wonder, “Is this really safe?” Dental X-rays have been around for a long time. And for just as long, patients have had questions. Are they necessary? How much radiation am I actually getting? What about my kids?
These are good questions. And you deserve straight answers, not a lecture. Dr. Quinn Woodruff and our team at McLeansville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry take your safety seriously. So let’s walk through what dental X-rays are, why we use them, and why they’re safer than you might think.
What Are Dental X-Rays, Anyway?
Dental X-rays are pictures of your teeth, bones, and surrounding tissues. They show us things we can’t see with our eyes alone, like what’s happening underneath your gums or between your teeth.
There are a few different types:
- Bitewing X-rays: These show the tops of your back teeth. We use them to check for cavities between teeth and to look at your gum line.
- Periapical X-rays: These show the whole tooth from crown to root. We use them when we suspect an infection or need to look at a specific area.
- Panoramic X-rays: These capture your entire mouth in one image. They’re great for seeing wisdom teeth, jaw issues, or planning certain treatments.
- Occlusal X-rays: These show the roof or floor of your mouth. They’re often used for kids to track how their teeth are coming in.
How Much Radiation Are We Talking About?
Dental X-rays use a tiny amount of radiation. You’re exposed to natural radiation every day, from the sun, the ground, and even the food you eat. That’s called background radiation. A set of dental bitewing X-rays exposes you to about the same radiation as a short airplane flight or a day outside in the sun.
Today’s digital X-rays use up to 80% less radiation than the film X-rays of decades ago. We’re talking about a fraction of a fraction.
Why Do We Need X-Rays at All?
Because our eyes can’t see everything. Without X-rays, we’d miss cavities hiding between teeth. We’d miss infections brewing under the surface. We’d miss impacted wisdom teeth, bone loss from gum disease, and early signs of problems that are much easier (and cheaper) to fix when caught early.
You wouldn’t drive a car without a dashboard. X-rays are your mouth’s dashboard. They tell us what’s going on under the hood.
Are X-Rays Safe for Kids and Pregnant Women?
Yes, with some extra care. For kids, we only take X-rays when there’s a clear reason. We use the lowest possible settings and protect them with lead aprons. Kids’ teeth change fast, so X-rays help us track growth and catch issues early.
For pregnant women, routine dental X-rays are generally considered safe. We’ll use a lead apron to shield your belly and thyroid, and we’ll only take X-rays if they’re truly needed. If you’re pregnant and due for a cleaning, just let us know. We’ll take extra precautions.
We Don’t Take X-Rays Just for Fun
We don’t order X-rays unless we need them. And we follow American Dental Association guidelines and tailor our approach to each patient. Some people need X-rays every six months. Others can go a year or more.
You’re not just a chart number to us. You’re a person. And we’ll always explain why we’re recommending something before we do it.
Questions? Just Ask Us at McLeansville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
If you’re ever unsure about a recommendation, speak up. Dr. Woodruff would rather answer your questions than have you worry in silence.
Due for a checkup and have questions about X-rays? Call 336-506-6545 or request an appointment online. We’re happy to walk you through everything.