Understanding Tooth Decay: What Really Causes It?
June 23, 2025
Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide, affecting people of all ages. It begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria,... more
The safety of dental x-rays has been one of the most debated topics in the medical field. If you are one of those people who try to avoid getting dental x-rays because of the fear of being exposed to radiation, this article is for you!
Also known as “radiographs,” dental x-rays are a key diagnostic tool for dentists. They are used to take painless and quick images of your jaws and teeth. During dental x-rays, the professional uses invisible beams in the form of radiation to take images. These images are then displayed on the computer or film. While less dense body parts appear gray, the denser body parts, like teeth and bones, absorb much of the x-ray rays; because of this, they show up as white areas in the final image. Dental x-rays are used to determine teeth and bone abnormalities, jaw lesions, the problem of occlusion, jaw fracture, tooth infection, gum disease, and tooth decay.
The one-word answer to this question is “Yes.” Dental x-rays are very safe. While dental x-rays do use radiation, the level of exposure is very low, which makes it perfectly safe for children and adults. According to the U.S Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), an individual can be exposed to 620 millirems of radiation annually, half from man-made sources and half from natural sources like food and air. Out of which, a dental x-ray only exposes you to 1.5 millirems of radiation.
Offering a wide range of dental services from dental x-rays to root canals and basic check-ups, Jennifer Lopez Dental Cosmetic and Family Dentistry has you covered. Click here to schedule an appointment, or contact us right away!
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