Low Dosage: Dental radiographs use a very low dosage for exposure, a diagnostic dose, not an occupational hazard dose. The radiation is directed towards your mouth, and scatter is minimized via a lead apron. A full mouth series or panorex once every three years and bitewing films every year will be enough to diagnose any problems without causing health issues.
Answered 12/17/2013
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X-rays: Not having x-rays to discover dental problems are probably more hazardous to your health. Nowadays with digital x-rays and following proper guidelines, having diagnostic x-rays are considered "safe". There are risks all around us: food, air, driving, etc. Live and enjoy your life.
Answered 12/16/2013
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Risk vas benefit: The benefit derived from being able to view tissues not visible to the naked eye far outweighs the risk. Dental x-rays allow detection of small easy to fix problems before they become big unwieldy ones. A full mouth dental x-ray series is less radiation than spending a day up in the mountains skiing, less than you'd get on an airplane flight. All radiation carries risk, but it's minuscule.
Answered 12/20/2013
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