![panorama x ray on two year old panorama x ray on two year old](https://els-jbs-prod-cdn.jbs.elsevierhealth.com/cms/attachment/9405892b-8d2f-4635-89ec-64a4a733c822/gr1c_lrg.jpg)
Four routine, intraoral images present about the same radiation exposure as a two hour plane ride.A panoramic x-ray of your mouth is only half of the radiation you’re exposed to on a seven-hour plane ride, or two to three days of natural exposure.It would take well over 1000 panoramic x-rays of your mouth to equal one CT scan.Consider these federal government statistics: The exposure time for a modern x-ray is mere seconds and carefully aimed at the treatment area. As you can imagine, the technology has evolved significantly since that time. When this technology was discovered in the 1890s, it took 25 minutes to get one x-ray exposure, offering dangerous doses of radiation. X-rays have not been shown to present a significant increase in cancer development when used responsibly.Ĭomparing X-Ray Radiation Exposure Levels It matters greatly where the radiation is coming from, how much a person is exposed to, and for what length of time. It can also show the development of wisdom teeth, tooth crowding, genetically missing teeth, bite problems (malocclusion) and more.Įxcessive radiation exposure has been linked to increased cancer risk, but not all radiation sources are the same. Rather than waiting for excessive tooth damage to become visible, a radiograph can identify it before it becomes painful. X-ray imaging allows our team to prevent problems by addressing the cause early. Here is what our pediatric dentist in 60194 needs you to know about getting dental x-rays for children. They can detect jaw and tooth abnormalities, tooth decay, and they offer a snapshot of one’s dental history.įor your child, they can show incoming teeth that may pose a problem in the future and help avoid expensive treatment later.Ī dental x-ray is one of the safest imaging procedures available with the American Dental Association (ADA) noting that exposure from dental x-rays “represent a minor contribution to the total exposure from all sources, including natural and man-made.”įor children, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends the lowest exposure possible, and to always weigh healthcare needs against risks, however small. X-rays, or radiographs, offer valuable information that can’t be seen with the naked eye.