In this Article

• What types of problems can dental X-rays detect?
• How often should teeth be X-rayed?
• How safe are dental X-rays?
• Dental X-Rays: When to Get Them Index

How Safe Are X-Rays?

Exposure to all sources of radiation -- including the sun, minerals in the soil, appliances in your home, and dental X-rays -- can damage the body's tissues and cells and can lead to the development of cancer in some instances. Fortunately, the dose of radiation you are exposed to during the taking of dental X-rays is extremely small.

Advances in dentistry over the years have lead to a number of measures that will minimize the risks associated with X-rays. However, even with the advancements in safety, the effects of radiation are added together over a lifetime. So every little bit of radiation you receive from all sources counts.

If you are concerned about radiation exposure due to X-rays, talk to your dentist about how often X-rays are needed and why they are being taken. While some people need X-rays taken more frequently, current guidelines require that X-rays be given only when needed for clinical diagnosis.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dentistry.

Reviewed by Jay H. Rosoff, DDS, on March 1, 2007

Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson Mathis, MD, on May 1, 2005

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Root Canal - Read about root canal complications, pain, costs and symptoms and signs that a root canal is needed. The dental procedure is a treatment used to save an infected tooth.
• Sjogren's Syndrome - Sjogren's syndrome causes symptoms that include arthritis, dry mouth, lips and eyes, leading to eye pain. Read about diagnosis, Schirmer testing, treatment and medications.
• Dentures - Get information about complete and partial dentures, costs, problems, types of denture adhesive, and how dentures are made. Plus, get tips on getting used to dentures.

Read more Dental X-Rays: When to Get Them related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Boomers Doomed to Disability?
• Gender Divorce Gap After Illness Strikes
• Cigarette Smoking's Decline Levels Off
• 22 Million Cases of Swine Flu in U.S.