Understanding Dental X-Rays (Part 1 of 2)

Radiation is a term that most people do not want to hear.  Of course radiation can be very negative with bombs, terror acts, and cancer.  We need to share that some radiation can be beneficial in our lives to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions.  These are the x-rays that are utilized in the dental and medical fields.  According to the article, “How Much Radiation Do You Get From Dental X-Rays?” by Steve D. Rima, a certified Health Physicist with over 20 years of experience in radiation safety, including teaching medical and dental professionals, we can have a better understanding of this radiation from the dental x-ray.  X-rays are energy in the form of waves that are similar to visible light.  The only difference between x-ray and light is that x-ray has enough energy to go through the body.  X-rays and light can make images on photographic film.  X-rays make pictures of the inside of the body , where as light makes a picture of the outside of the body.

Radiation is measured in a unit called “rem”.  The amount of rem that is typical is millirem (mrem)  in which 100 mrem make 1 rem.  With the advancements of technology, x-ray equipment has reduced the amount of radiation needed to have a dental x-ray completed with a very clear image of the teeth and mouth.  The typical amount of rem received from a dental x-ray is about 2-3 mrem.  Continue to check out our blog for more information on dental x-rays and the minimal about of radiation that is received.  Family Dentistry with Drs. Ogle, Schmitz, and Hart can provide the best dental care for the patients because of the advancements of the x-ray technology and the dental information that they can receive from these x-rays.