When it’s time to have an x-ray, generally once a year, the dental hygienist will have you sit in a chair and will lay a lead “blanket” or “bib” over your trunk and pelvic regions to protect your vital organs from the radiation exposure. Depending on the type of images needed, the x-ray technician may ask you to bite down on a special piece of paper inserted into your mouth in order to get a certain view of your bite and how your upper and lower teeth meet each other.

Along with brushing, flossing, and getting regular cleanings, Dr. Jamie Talley recommends having dental x-rays regularly. X-rays should be part of any dental health routine because of their ability to reveal issues like tooth decay or tooth impaction, periodontal disease, or even certain tumors before they become larger problems. They can also help Dr. Talley more accurately monitor the progress of dental problems or treatments. CHILDREN It is especially important for young children to have regular x-rays to monitor the growth of new teeth and to help recognize problems such as permanent teeth growing in behind baby teeth.

Some patients are concerned about the safety of dental x-rays because of the exposure to radiation it requires. However, the American Dental Association’s Division of Science says that, according to the American Nuclear Society, the amount of radiation exposure experienced in dental x-rays equates to about .15% of the average person’s exposure per year from background sources of radiation that exist in our environment. Dental professionals employ a strategy called As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) to minimize the time and amount of your exposure to radiation in any and all imaging procedures. KEEPING YOU SAFE In addition to levels of radiation being very low, the lead vest used in the procedure is a layer of protection for your vital organs against unnecessary exposure. Thus, dental x-rays are considered safe for any age, even for pregnant women, with proper use of lead, protective coverings. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/for_the_dental_patient_sept_2011.pdf?la=en

Jamie C. Talley, DDS recommends most patients have dental x-rays once a year. However, more frequent imaging may be recommended if Dr. Talley needs to monitor progression of a dental problem, treatment, or growth of teeth.