Guides · General
Are dental X-rays safe? Radiation doses of panoramic, periapical and CBCT imaging
The types of X-ray used in dentistry, what the dose you receive means in everyday terms, X-rays in pregnancy and children, how often they are taken and protective measures.
Dental X-rays are among the lowest-dose examinations in medical imaging: a small periapical film is about 1–8 microsieverts, a panoramic 10–25 microsieverts — a few times the dose received from natural sources in a single day (~8 µSv). When necessary they can be taken in pregnancy and in children; a lead apron and thyroid collar are used.
Why are X-rays needed?
What can be seen with the eye at an examination is only part of the tooth. Decay between the teeth, decay under fillings, infection at the root tip, bone loss, impacted teeth, cysts and tumours, and the bone volume for an implant can only be assessed with X-rays. They are not taken "every time" but according to the findings and risk.
Types and approximate doses
| Examination | What it shows | Effective dose (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Periapical (small film) | The root and surroundings of 1–3 teeth | 1–8 µSv |
| Bitewing | Interproximal decay in the back teeth | 2–5 µSv |
| Panoramic | All teeth, jaws, joints | 10–25 µSv |
| Cephalometric | Side view of the skull for orthodontics | 2–6 µSv |
| Dental CBCT | 3-D bone/canal/implant planning | 20–200 µSv (depending on field and machine) |
For comparison: natural background radiation in Turkey is ~2,400 µSv a year (~7 µSv a day); an Istanbul–London flight ~20–40 µSv; a chest X-ray ~100 µSv; an abdominal CT ~8,000–10,000 µSv. Digital sensors have cut doses by 50–80 % compared with old film.
How often?
- New patient: Usually a panoramic; local films when needed.
- Adults at high caries risk: Bitewings every 6–12 months; at low risk every 2–3 years.
- Root canal treatment: Check films before, during and after.
- Implants: Panoramic plus, usually, CBCT (bone volume, position of nerve and sinus).
- Children: Only when needed; bitewings every 1–2 years according to caries risk, panoramic for impacted teeth.
X-rays in pregnancy
In dental X-rays the beam is confined to the head; the abdomen is shielded with a lead apron. A necessary examination (e.g. suspected abscess) is not postponed in pregnancy; non-urgent ones can wait until after the birth. Always tell your dentist if you are or might be pregnant. More: Dental health during pregnancy.
In children
Because children's tissues are more radiosensitive, the principle of "only as needed, at the lowest dose" is applied more strictly; child settings, fast sensors and a thyroid collar are used. Impacted teeth, trauma, caries monitoring and orthodontic planning call for X-rays.
Protection
- Lead apron and thyroid collar
- Digital sensor, collimation (the beam is confined to the area needed)
- Correct positioning to avoid retakes
- Bringing recent films taken elsewhere — avoids unnecessary repeats
Frequently asked
Can X-rays be taken while breastfeeding? Yes; the milk is not affected.
Is CBCT essential for every implant? It is recommended in most cases for safe planning; a panoramic may suffice in simple single-tooth cases — the decision is the dentist's.
Are X-rays painful? No; for small films, positioning is made easier for patients with a gag reflex.
This article is for general information only; diagnosis and treatment tailored to you require a dental examination.
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