Many people are concerned with the dangers of radiation exposure associated with X-rays. The federal government has set the annual occupational exposure limit of radiation at 5,000 mrem. This means the entire body is safely exposed to radiation limits at or below 5,000 mrem per year. In a given year, the average person is exposed to about 360 mrem just from background radiation. This radiation comes from a variety of sources and varies according to different lifestyles. Flying in airplanes, living in brick buildings, spending time outside and even sleeping next to someone exposes us to more radiation on a daily basis. However, even with that background exposure, you would have to receive about 70 full mouth series X-rays in a year to reach 5,000 mrem.
X-Rays
Like light waves and radio waves, X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation. Unlike light or radio waves, X-rays can pass through the body. Because of this, X-rays can cause damage to cells in the body, which increases the risk that cancerous mutations will result. The greater the exposure to X-rays, the greater the risk of cancer.
Types
Dental X-rays come in three major forms: the initial full mouth series, the yearly bitewing series and the Panoramic X-ray film. A full mouth series consists of four bite wing films and 14 periapical films. The bitewing series usually encompasses four films displaying the back teeth. The Panoramic X-ray film is a large, simple X-ray that displays the teeth and bones of the facial structure.
Since dental X-rays are aimed at only a specific spot of tight facial tissue, the amount of radiation that reaches other parts of the body is slim.
Risks
Overexposure to X-ray radiation can cause welts on the skin resembling burn blisters. Intense radiation in one location over a period of years can cause cell damage and lead to cancer. The National Academy of Sciences released a study in June 2005 that shows that radiation, even in low amounts, poses a risk for cancer. According to a UK study titled "Risk of Cancer from Diagnositic X-rays," by Dr. Amy Berrington de Gonzalez and Sarah Darby PhD, 0.6 percent of the population in the United Kingdom develops cancer from medical and dental X-rays. Furthermore, ovaries or testicles exposed to excessive radiation is cumulative and can result in gene mutation and may lead to deformities in one's children.
Benefits
Although X-rays do pose a slight risk to one's health, they bring tremendous value to the dental and medical community. X-rays often diagnose life threatening illnesses which lead to better health and longevity in the general population. Even in everyday situations X-rays are beneficial; they reveal cavities, fractures, broken bones and diseased organs.
Ways to Protect Yourself
Ask your dentist if a Panoramic film series will suffice because it exposes you to less radiation. Make sure your doctor or dentist has newer machines, older equipment delivers more radiation than newer models. If you are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant, tell your dentist or X-ray technician so they can protect your unborn child against the negative effects of the radiation.
Tags: full mouth, full mouth series, mouth series, bitewing series, more radiation, Panoramic X-ray, Panoramic X-ray film
