Dental Radiographs (x-rays)

Today's technology allows us to use digital radiography, which greatly cuts down on the amount of radiation a patient is exposed to when dental x-rays are taken. The average human is exposed to approximately 6.2 millisieverts (mSv) of radiation per year from food, water and the environment. A single dental radiograph accounts for only 0.005 mSv (less than eight hours' worth of environmental exposure), while a full set of dental radiographs (taken about every five years) accounts for 0.09 mSv. For more information on radiation safety, please visit the American Nuclear Society's website and the American Dental Society's consumer website, Mouth Healthy (each of these links will open a new window).