Dental X-Rays:
Benefits & Safety

Dental x-rays (radiographs) are a valuable tool your dentist uses to see more than what’s visible in a regular exam. While your eyes and mouth may only reveal part of the picture, x-rays allow us to look below the surface—helping us detect problems early, when they’re easiest to treat.

Why Dental X-Rays Are Important

X-rays give your dentist a detailed view of your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding tissues. They can reveal:

Cavities that form between teeth or under fillings
Bone loss from gum disease
Infections or abscesses under the gums
Cysts or certain types of tumors
Development of teeth and jawbones in children
Injuries to teeth, roots, or bone that aren’t visible to the eye

By detecting these issues early, x-rays can prevent small problems from becoming serious ones. For example, catching a cavity or infection early can save you from more complex treatment—or even tooth loss—later on.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Yes. The amount of radiation used in dental x-rays is extremely small. For perspective: †

Daily background radiation from cosmic rays and other sources is about 8–10 µSv.
A routine bitewing or periapical x-ray exposes you to about 1.5 µSv of radiation.
A small-field CBCT scan (5 × 5 cm) ranges from 4–84 µSv, depending on resolution.
This means that a single small CBCT scan is roughly equivalent to 0.5–10 days of natural background radiation

In summary, a routine x-ray exposes you to less radiation than you would normally receive on a given day of living your normal life. While it is true that CBCT scans involve more exposure to radiation than traditional intraoral films, they also convey a wealth of otherwise inaccessible information that can be used to optimize your prognosis.

Note: The wide range for CBCT exposure comes from differences in machine settings, resolution, and the area being scanned.

† Based on a study conducted by John Ludlow and Brandon Johnson, University of North Carolina, School of Dentistry, utilizing the CS 9600 dose protocol (Jul 2018)

How We Keep You Safe

Dentists follow the ALARA principle—“As Low As Reasonably Achievable”—to minimize radiation exposure. We do this by:

Using digital imaging or the fastest available film speed
Narrowing the x-ray beam to the smallest area possible
Applying the lowest radiation dose necessary
Using lead aprons and thyroid collars for protection whenever possible

Your dentist will only recommend x-rays when they are necessary for diagnosis or treatment planning, based on your age, health history, risk for oral disease, and current symptoms.

Special Considerations

Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, let your dentist know. In most cases, dental x-rays can be delayed. However, if an urgent dental problem requires an x-ray, the use of a lead apron and thyroid collar makes the procedure safe for you and your baby.
History of cancer treatment: Even if you’ve had radiation therapy to the head or neck, dental x-rays are still safe. In fact, they may be especially important since radiation treatment can increase the risk of tooth decay.

The Bottom Line

Dental x-rays are a safe, effective way to detect hidden problems and protect your oral health. Modern technology, careful safety protocols, and knowledge of radiation dosing allow us to balance early detection with minimal exposure.