Toggle navigation
Daniel A. Nyhuis, DMD, PC

Daniel A. Nyhuis, DMD
Nicki Childress, DMD
Family Dentistry

825 Ringwood Ave Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442(973) 831-8950
  • Facebook
  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Yelp

Review us on Google

Online Payment

  • Home
  • Meet the Doctors
  • Office
  • Services
  • Patient Forms
  • Contact Us
  • Reviews
  • FAQ
  • Patient Education
  • Patient Feedback

X-Ray Radiation Exposure is Much Less than Daily Environmental Radiation

  • Blog Home
  • Oral+Health
  • X-Ray Radiation Exposure is Much Less than Daily Environmental Radiation

X-Ray Radiation Exposure is Much Less than Daily Environmental Radiation

By Daniel A. Nyhuis, DMD
October 22, 2016
Category: Oral Health
Tags: x-rays  
X-RayRadiationExposureisMuchLessthanDailyEnvironmentalRadiation

X-rays are an important diagnostic tool in dentistry because of their ability to penetrate and pass through body tissues. Because they penetrate at different speeds depending on tissue density (shorter and thus darker on exposed film for soft tissues, longer and lighter for hard tissues like bone or teeth), we’re able to detect decay which appear as dark areas on x-ray film.

Without x-rays, the early detection and diagnosis of dental problems would be quite difficult. But despite its obvious benefits, it’s still a form of released energy that exposes patients to a certain amount of radiation. Since the potential health risk from radiation depends on the amount released (the dosage) and for how long and often a person is exposed, we must determine if the dosage and frequency from dental x-rays is a cause for concern.

It’s a common misconception to view any radiation exposure as dangerous. The truth is, however, we’re all exposed daily to radiation from the natural environment — about 2 to 4.5 millisieverts (the dosage measurement for radiation exposure) a year, or about 10 microsieverts (one-thousandth of a millisievert) every day.

In comparison, radiation exposure from routine dental x-rays is a fraction of this if measured over time. A set of four bitewing images of the back teeth produces 4 microsieverts of radiation, less than half the average daily exposure. One of the most comprehensive x-ray sets, a full mouth series of 18-20 images using “D” speed film, results in an exposure of 85 microsieverts, equaling about a week of normal radiation exposure.

These thoroughly researched rates help demonstrate that regular dental x-rays are relatively safe. What’s more, x-ray technology has continued to advance since first used in the mid-20th Century. With innovations in film and digital processing, today’s equipment produces only 80% of the radiation exposure of earlier machines. In effect, we’ve increased our capabilities to more accurately detect and diagnose issues through x-rays, while lowering the amount of radiation exposure.

Of course, a person’s annual exposure rate may differ from others. If you have concerns for yourself or your family about x-ray radiation exposure, please feel free to discuss this with us. Our primary goal is to improve your oral health without undue risk to your health in general.

If you would like more information on x-ray diagnostics and safety, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “X-Ray Frequency and Safety.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

Comments:






Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2019
      • December (2)
        • Vitamins Can Help Keep Your Oral Health in Top Shape
        • Don't Worry About Dental Amalgam: It's Safe for Treating Cavities
      • November (3)
        • 4 Foods That Are Good for Both Your Mouth and Your Body
        • Miley Cyrus's Little Secret: Straightening Her Smile With Lingual Braces
        • Fluoridated Drinking Water Helps Curb Tooth Decay Safely
      • October (3)
        • Sleep Apnea Might be Robbing you of More than a Good Night's Sleep
        • That Scalded Feeling Isn't in Your Head - It Could Be Burning Mouth Syndrome
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
      • September (3)
        • Take Charge of Stress Management to Reduce Teeth Grinding Habits
        • Your Reoccurring Sinus Infections May Actually Be Caused by Tooth Decay
        • Contrary to Popular Opinion, Vaping May Not Be Safer Than Smoking
      • August (3)
        • Viggo Mortensen's Red-Carpet Smile
        • Floss First or Last? Here are Reasons for Either Approach
        • That Toothache Might Not Be From Your Tooth: The Problem of Referred Pain
      • July (3)
        • The Tale of the Toothworm
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
        • What You can Do to Stop Sugar from Harming Your Health
      • June (3)
        • Why You Should Floss Around the Implants Supporting Your Bridge
        • Implant-Supported Dentures Could Help You Avoid Bone Loss
        • Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
      • May (3)
        • Reduce Your Risk of Oral Cancer with a Healthy Diet
        • Regular Flossing not Your Thing? Try an Oral Irrigator
        • Consider an Effective and Affordable RPD for Teeth Replacement
      • April (3)
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
        • Know the Facts Before Considering Botox for Jaw Joint Pain
        • Stress and Nighttime Teeth Grinding
      • March (3)
        • Treating TMD Like Other Joint-Related Problems
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • 3 Tips for Helping Your Kids Develop Great Tooth-Friendly Habits
      • February (3)
        • Bitewing X-rays: Your Questions Answered
        • Did You Know? February Is National Children's Dental Health Month!
        • Lady Gaga Wasn't "Born This Way?"
      • January (3)
        • 4 Things you Should do if Your Child Complains of a Toothache
        • A Crown Could be the Answer to Preserving Your Damaged Tooth
        • What You Need to Know to Buy the Right Toothbrush
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • Why Bear a Chipped Tooth?
        • Oral Sedation Helps Reduce Anxiety During Dental Treatment
      • November (3)
        • 4 Things to Know About Diabetes and Gum Health
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
        • Diabetes and Oral Health: True or False?
      • October (3)
        • Test Your Knowledge: A Quiz on Dental Erosion
        • Regular Cleanings Benefit Both Your Dental Health and Your Smile
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
      • September (3)
        • Complications from Missing Teeth Could Limit Your Replacement Options
        • A Low Sugar, High Fiber Diet will Help Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
        • Protect Your Teeth During Football Season
      • August (3)
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Help Your Child Develop Good Oral Habits and Avoid Bad Ones
        • Can't Afford Dental Implants? Consider Partial Dentures
      • July (3)
        • 5 Warning Signs You May Have Gum Disease
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
        • Good Oral Hygiene Just as Important for Implants as for Natural Teeth
      • June (3)
        • Bonding with Composite Resins Ideal for Restoring Chipped Teeth
        • June Is National Safety Month: Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
      • May (4)
        • Implant-Supported Dentures Could Contribute to Better Bone Health
        • Baseball Fan Catches Her Own Knocked-Out Tooth
        • Temporary Tooth Replacement with Flexible Partial Dentures
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
      • April (2)
        • Proper Cleaning Techniques can Help you Control Chronic Bad Breath
        • Managing Gum Disease Could Benefit Other Conditions You May Have
      • March (3)
        • Food for Thought - What to Eat for Optimum Oral Health
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
        • The Time Interval to Replant a Knocked Out Tooth Can Affect its Longevity
      • February (2)
        • The Simple Bitewing X-Ray is a Game Changer for Maintaining Dental Health
        • The Health of Your Mouth Could Affect the Rest of Your Body
      • January (2)
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
        • 4 Areas We May Check During Your Older Loved One's Regular Dental Visit
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Changes in Bone Structure can Affect Denture Fit
        • Composite Resin Could Transform Your Tooth's Appearance in Just one Visit
      • November (2)
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • How Effective is Your Oral Hygiene? Find Out with a Plaque Disclosing Agent
      • October (2)
        • Not All Crowns are Alike. Know the Differences to Get the Look you Want
        • Chronic Dry Mouth Could be Increasing Your Risk of Dental Disease
      • September (2)
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
        • A 4-Step Process for Achieving Your Highest Oral Health Possible
      • August (3)
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • 5 Tips to Keeping a Healthy Mouth During Your College Years
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
      • July (2)
        • Include Limitations on Sugar in Your Tooth Decay Prevention Strategy
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
      • June (2)
        • Tips on Encouraging Healthy Snacking While Your Child's at School
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
      • May (2)
        • Make Dental Care a Priority When You're Pregnant
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
      • April (2)
        • Encourage Your College-Bound Child to Practice Good Oral Health Habits
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
      • March (2)
        • Bone Loss Could be the Reason for Your Loose Dentures
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
      • February (3)
        • That Painful, Irritating Feeling Could be Burning Mouth Syndrome
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
        • The 21st Century Promises Better Dental Diagnostics with Cone Beam Imaging
      • January (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • Having Trouble Flossing? Try Using an Oral Irrigator
  • 2016
      • December (3)
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Mild Pain Relievers may be all you need for Discomfort after Dental Work
        • Remodel 2016
      • November (3)
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • Dental Implants can Replace Your Whole Tooth, Not Just What You See
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • October (2)
        • X-Ray Radiation Exposure is Much Less than Daily Environmental Radiation
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
      • September (3)
        • Artificial Sweeteners can Boost your Dental Health
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • Welcome to Our Blog

Tags

  • pediatric dentistry (2)
  • celebrity smiles (33)
  • tooth decay (5)
  • artificial sweeteners (1)
  • wisdom teeth (3)
  • x-rays (3)
  • orthodontics (1)
  • braces (3)
  • dental implants (8)
  • oral hygiene (16)
  • medication (1)
  • flossing (2)
  • mouthguard (1)
  • x-ray (1)
  • porcelain veneers (1)
  • crowns (4)
  • burning mouth syndrome (1)
  • loose dentures (1)
  • dental injury (8)
  • veneers (1)
  • pregnancy (1)
  • oral health (13)
  • nutrition (7)
  • sugar (1)
  • teeth grinding (3)
  • dental emergency (1)
  • chipped tooth (4)
  • mouthguards (2)
  • dry mouth (1)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • chipped teeth (2)
  • dentures (3)
  • dental care (1)
  • teeth whitening (1)
  • gum disease (2)
  • bad breath (2)
  • partial denture (2)
  • dental injuries (1)
  • bonding (2)
  • periodontal disease (1)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • missing teeth (1)
  • orthodontic treatment (3)
  • retainers (1)
  • dental cleanings (1)
  • dental erosion (1)
  • diabetes (2)
  • abscessed tooth (1)
  • sedation dentistry (1)
  • oral sedation (1)
  • toothache (2)
  • tmd (1)
  • tmj disorders (2)
  • tmj (1)
  • root canal treatment (1)
  • removable partial denture (1)
  • oral cancer (1)
  • floss (1)
  • vaping (1)
  • smoking (1)
  • bruxism (1)
  • sleep apnea (1)
  • snoring (1)
  • fluoride (1)
  • lingual braces (1)
  • fillings (1)
  • vitamins (1)

Categories:

  • None (1)
  • Oral Health (59)
  • Dental Procedures (44)

Our Location

825 Ringwood Ave
Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
(973) 831-8950

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday:9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday:7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday:8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed


We are open 1 Saturday a Month - Sept to May

  • Home
  • Meet the Doctors
  • Offices
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Dental Website Design Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map