Are Den­tal X‑Rays Safe? What You Need to Know About Mod­ern Dig­i­tal & 3D Scans

If you are worried about exposure to radiation, particularly close to your head, then we’d like to help reassure you on this topic. X-rays are only carried out when medically necessary and we take every precaution to keep you safe. The amount of radiation you are exposed to is very low, so we believe that it’s a safe way for us to get an accurate view of the structure of your mouth and jaw.

If you’re curious about the safety of your next dental X-ray, and how X-rays compare with 3D CT scans, read on. We’re exploring some of the most common myths about dental X-rays and showing you how we keep patients safe.

Are dental X-rays safe?

Yes, dental X-rays are safe for the vast majority of patients. If there is any reason that you shouldn’t have a dental X-ray, then we’ll uncover this during your initial examination and we’ll be able to take extra precautions or find an alternative way to look at the structure of your teeth and jaw.

A common worry that patients have is that they see their dental nurse leaving the room or wearing protective clothing to carry out the procedure. This is simply because the dental team would be exposed to far more radiation in their average workday, so it’s important for them to take precautions. But during your dental X-ray, you’re only exposed to low level radiation for a very short time, so the risks are very low.

How long does an X-ray take?

The process is very quick, usually taking less than a minute. We’ll start by preparing you for the procedure and showing you how the machine works. For a panoramic X-ray, you’ll stand in front of the machine and bite done on a bit. This will help to keep your mouth and jaw steady as the X-ray moves around you.

If your dentist requests a full mouth series, or FMX, this will include between 14-18 intraoral images and one panoramic X-ray. This takes a little bit longer, but the extra time is due to the setup time, and does not mean an extended time exposed to radiation.

Who shouldn’t have a dental X-ray?

You should avoid dental x-rays when you are pregnant, so it’s important to let your dentist know if you are expecting. We will typically postpone any non-essential dental work until after you have given birth to avoid exposing a developing fetus to radiation.

Young children will also generally not be given dental X-rays as they are more sensitive to radiation. We would also avoid X-rays unless it is medically necessary for a diagnosis. This means that you won’t have X-rays at every checkup, unless this is required for monitoring a specific condition.

Can I refuse an X-ray?

Yes, you have the right to refuse an X-ray if you are uncomfortable with the procedure, but we want to assure you that it would only be offered if we believe that it is safe. If you refuse an X-ray, this might delay some treatment, or it could make you ineligible for certain cosmetic or restorative procedures.

Are 3D scans safer?

Alongside X-rays, which provide a panoramic and 2D picture of your jaw bone and teeth, we also offer 3D scans. These provide a 3D image of your jaw structures and teeth, which can be very useful for treatment planning and diagnosing more complex issues.

These are known as CBCT scans, and they deliver less radiation than a traditional CT scan, but slightly more than a dental X-ray. The reason this kind of scan would be used is that it provides far more information about the bone, teeth, soft tissue and nerve paths that might impact dental procedures. They are therefore essential in treatment planning for procedures like dental implants.

These scans are very fast, usually taking less than a minute, so your exposure to radiation will be very low. As with all dental scans and X-rays, the benefits of diagnosis far outweigh the risks of radiation exposure.

How often should I have a dental X-ray?

If you go to the dentist regularly, you won’t need an X-ray every time you visit. The only reason you might be offered a dental X-ray at every checkup would be to check the progression of a known issue, such as an impacted wisdom tooth.

If you haven’t been to the dentist for a long time, your dentist might recommend an X-ray to look for any hidden issues that might not be visible from a visual inspection.

Your dentist will only offer an X-ray if it is medically required. So if you have dental pain or have experienced another change to your oral health, you might be offered an X-ray to help understand the cause.