Dental X-rays have long been a topic of concern regarding their safety for patients. But, are these low-level radiation exposures enough to cause harm? We spoke with experts in the field to find out.
According to Dr. David J. Brenner, director of the Center for Radiological Research at Columbia University, the amount of radiation from dental X-rays is extremely low compared to other daily sources like the sun or space. “It’s much lower than it was decades ago,” he said.
The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology also confirm that dental X-rays are safe for pregnant women and their fetuses, with doses being 10,000 to 30,000 times lower than those needed to cause harm.
However, dentists should only administer X-rays when necessary. “The clinical exam should always come first,” said Dr. Erika Benavides, a dentist and oral and maxillofacial radiologist at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.
Dental X-ray exposure levels have improved significantly over the past 30 years due to advancements in technology. While there is some risk associated with low-level radiation, it is “small compared with all other cancer risks we face,” according to Dr. Brenner.
In fact, the risk from routine dental X-rays would be negligible even when considering cumulative exposure over a lifetime, explains Dr. Sanjay M. Mallya, an oral and maxillofacial radiologist at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry.
To minimize unnecessary exposure, dentists and hygienists should not routinely administer X-rays before examining patients. Instead, they should follow clinical guidelines that recommend ordering dental X-rays only after a thorough exam has identified potential problems worth investigating.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/well/dental-x-ray-health-risks.html