DIGITAL X RAYS

Digital X-rays

• 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays.  Images can be enhanced for superior diagnostic ability.

More on Digital X-rays

Some people wonder if dental radiography is safe. Here are the simple facts as provided by the American Dental Association.  The amount of radiation necessary for digital dental x-rays is small. A set of bitewings (4 images of the back teeth) exposes the patient to approximately 0.005 millisieverts (mSv) of radiation. Compare that with the ambient radiation we are exposed to by our natural environment. On average, we are exposed to 3.2 mSv per year from background and ambient radiation.

Our office employs every effort to minimize your exposure to radiation by:

• taking only necessary images
• using  the latest digital technology to greatly reduce the radiation needed compared to traditional film.
• use of leaded aprons

Because digital dental x-rays require such minimal exposure, it is safe for people who have had radiation treatment for cancer to have x-rays done safely. In fact, these patients are often at higher risk for developing tooth decay making dental x-rays all the more important.