Are dental X-rays harmful?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Van Huong - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec International Hospital Da Nang. The doctor has many years of experience in the field of diagnostic imaging.
Dental X-ray is a modern imaging method, which can help doctors early diagnose oral diseases, especially inflammatory diseases, wisdom teeth, misaligned teeth... However, Nowadays, many people worry about the effects of dental X-rays. So are dental X-rays really harmful?

1. What is a dental X-ray?

Dental X-rays or dental X-rays are imaging techniques of the teeth, bone, and soft tissue around the teeth to find problems with the mouth, teeth, and jaw. Accordingly, a dental X-ray will show open cavities, hidden tooth structures such as wisdom teeth and bone loss that is not visible when examined with the naked eye. Besides, dental X-ray is also done to follow up after dental treatment.
In fact, if you only do common cosmetic dentistry such as tartar, teeth whitening, .. then the doctors will not ask you to perform dental X-rays. However, if the patient has to treat oral diseases such as tooth decay, braces, implant placement, wisdom tooth extraction ... then a dental x-ray will be indicated so that the doctor can have an effective treatment basis. more and more precise. In fact, like X-rays of bones or other organs, X-rays of the teeth can help doctors see a true and clear picture of the roots and pulp. This is useful when diagnosing the disease as well as determining the appropriate treatment.

2. Are dental X-rays harmful?

Dental X-rays have great value in terms of images, but many people are concerned about whether dental X-rays are harmful? In fact, in terms of nature, X-rays have the ability to cause radiation contamination and affect health if exposed to a lot. However, the amount of X-ray used in the medical industry, especially in dentistry, this X-ray energy is very small and completely controlled within the allowable limit. Therefore, dental X-ray or medical use is not dangerous to health.
On the other hand, when taking X-rays, patients are always carefully protected by factors such as: low intensity, and short film time to minimize radiation exposure. In addition, the lamp head of the scanner only targets the area to be taken for dentistry, such as teeth, roots, ... Besides, the X-ray room is also protected with lead coat and lead walls to help absorb darkness. multiple scattered rays. The medical staff in the imaging room are all well-trained in manipulations, which should create maximum safety for the patient.
In order to minimize the effect of X-rays, patients can choose to take X-rays with a digital X-ray machine and should not be taken with a continuous frequency. Because digital x-rays use an electronic sensor instead of X-ray film. Images after capture are stored in the computer and can be monitored through the computer screen. This method uses less radiation to take a digital image than a traditional dental X-ray.

3. When should dental X-ray be taken?

In addition to patients who are prescribed by a doctor to take dental X-rays, people with a history of dental diseases such as tooth decay, wisdom teeth, etc. should also take dental X-rays for early detection. diseases and provide effective treatment. Accordingly:
Adults should have a dental X-ray every 2-3 years. Teens should have a dental X-ray every 1.5 to 3 years. Children should have a dental X-ray every 1-2 years. For those who have tooth decay or are at risk of cavities, x-rays should be taken:
Adults should have a dental x-ray every 6 months - 1.5 years. Children should have a dental x-ray every 6 to 12 months. For children aged 5-6 years who have begun to have permanent teeth, it is often recommended to have dental X-rays to predict structural abnormalities of the teeth, and to have appropriate orthodontic measures.

4. What should be noted when taking X-ray of teeth?

Although the dental X-ray method is quite simple and does not take much time, nor does it affect your health, you also need to know a few notes to ensure accurate results. such as keeping psychological comfort, eating normally, bringing previous medical records. Follow the doctor's instructions such as removing jewelry, metal, ...
In addition, it should be noted with special risk subjects when taking X-rays such as:

4.1. Pregnant women

Tell the radiologist if you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant. In fact, dental X-rays are not taken in the abdomen, but the pregnant woman will still be wearing a lead shirt and lead bib to minimize the impact of X-rays on the fetus.
Pregnant women should only take X-rays of teeth or other parts when absolutely necessary, should not abuse it, it will affect the development of the fetus.

4.2. Children

Children may be asked to have an X-ray of their teeth to check for early teething or orthodontics and detect cavities. Accordingly, children will be wearing lead protective gear to absorb scattered X-rays, limiting the impact on children's health.
Dental X-ray plays a very important role in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of oral diseases for both adults and children. However, you don't need to worry too much about having a dental X-ray harmful or not? Because in fact, if you don't shoot with a large frequency, it is impossible to affect your health. In addition, many types of modern equipment and machinery have contributed to limiting the influence of X-rays on human health.
Currently, X-ray is an imaging method performed routinely at Vinmec International General Hospital, including dental X-ray technique. The X-ray procedure at Vinmec is carried out methodically under the guidance of the medical team of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging. In addition, Vinmec is now equipped with the most modern X-ray machine, meeting international standards for true and clear images, helping doctors to accurately diagnose the disease and the stage of the disease, from It has an effective treatment direction, creating a sense of safety for the patient.

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