Do I really need X-Rays? Yes, X-Rays are necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment planning. They are needed for diagnosing: - Abscesses and infection
- Decay between the teeth and under existing restorations
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Cysts & tumors
- Root Canal treatment
- Dental Implant placement
The tables below give dose estimates in millirems (mrem) for typical diagnostic radiology exams. The annual maximum allowable radiation dosage for healthcare workers is 5000 millirems. Dental x-rays are at the lowest end when it comes to effective dose. Doses Received Undergoing an Entire Procedure | Complete Exams | Effective Dose, mrem | PTCA (heart study) Coronary angiogram CT (head and chest) CT abdomen Mammography: breast examination Barium enema (10 images, 137 sec fluoroscopy) Intravenous Pyelogram (kidneys, 6 films) Lumbar spine series Thoracic spine series | 750-5,700 460-1,580 1,110 1,000 1000 700 250 180 140 |
Plain Film X-Rays | Single Radiographs | Effective Dose, mrem | Pelvis or hips Lumbar spine (AP) Abdomen Thoracic spine (AP) Thoracic spine (lateral) Lumbar spine (lateral) | 83 70 53 40 30 30 |
Finally, here is the dosage received for dental x-rays. As you can see, dental x-rays have the lowest dosage, by far, when compared to the above tables. Dental Film X-Rays | Radiographs | Effective Dose, mrem | Dental (full mouth series) | 9 | Dental (panorex) | 1 | Dental (bitewing) | 0.5 |
A few other facts on random sources of radiation include: - The average U.S. resident receives 360 millirems every year from background sources.
- If you live in a brick house instead of a wood house, you receive an extra 10 millirems per year due to radioactive materials in the masonry.
- Flying cross country in an airplane exposes you to 5 millirems due to increased altitude.
Dr. Eric Meeker gains valuable information from x-rays to aid in keeping your mouth healthy. It is not in your best interest to refuse dental x-rays due to the very small amount of radiation you receive from them. |
