We live in a radioactive world and radiation is part of our natural environment. Simply put, we are all exposed to radiation on a daily basis. This radiation (specifically, ionizing radiation) can be measured in several different ways, but for the purpose of this discussion I will focus on the smaller unit called millirem (mrem).
The average exposure dose of radiation per person from all sources is about 360 mrems per year. However, it is not uncommon for someone to receive more or less than this average in a given year (largely due to medical procedures one may undergo such as CT scans). For those who work with and around radioactive material, International Standards allow exposure to as much as 5,000 mrems per year and still consider this dose as “safe”.
The following are common sources of radiation EVERYONE receives:
Dental X-rays (Radiographs)
Other Man-made Sources of Radiation for Comparison
Conclusion:
Ionizing radiation in large doses can cause damage to the human body. However, the very small and localized amount used in dentistry far outweigh the risks. Dental x-rays diagnose a wide range of problems, including but not limited to: dental caries (cavities) that cannot be seen clinically (by looking in the mouth), periodontal disease (bone loss), excess cement left behind after cementing a crown (which can lead to gum disease), abscesses /cysts, infections in the bone, impacted teeth, fractured teeth, cancer, genetic disorders, and much more.
Finding a dental problem early can save your tooth. It will also save you time, money, and overall health.
So the next time you go to your dentist and he/she says it’s time for x-rays, feel free to ask why. Any good dentist will take the time to explain why x-rays are indicated.
American Nuclear Society: http://www.new.ans.org/pi/resources/dosechart/
Martin S. Spiller, D.M.D: http://www.doctorspiller.com/Dental%20_X-Rays.htm
Idaho State University: http://www.physics.isu.edu/radinf/risk.htm
United States Nuclear Regulatory commission: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/fact-sheets/bio-effects-radiation.html