Radiation concern: How many dental xrays are too much?
I had my wisdom tooth taken out about 1 month and almost 2 weeks ago. It was a pretty rough extraction, being that my jaw bone was extremely thin. They were able to get the tooth out without fracturing the jaw. I have had to go back to the dentist almost once every week , or sometimes once every 2 weeks to get xrays done so that they can make sure that my jaw is healing fine. I have had about 5 xrays within that time frame. I am very concerned with all the radiation this might be causing, being that I am only 25 years old. I would like to know how much I should be concerned about this, or if I should have any concern at all? I only ask this because I know that recently they had some studies done that dental xrays may cause brain tumors.
1 Comments on Radiation concern: How many dental xrays are too much?
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Dr. Carlos Boudet
11/25/2015
Five intraoral x-rays are such a small exposure to radiation that you should not be at all concerned.
As an example, women after the age of 40 are advised by their physicians(source: information published by the american cancer society) to get a mamogram every year.
A mamogram exposes women to 0.4 millisieverts and is an acceptable level of exposure compared to the risk of breast cancer.
Four intraoral x-rays called "bitewings" expose you to only 0.038 millisieverts.
for more information you can read my article here: mywestpalmbeachdentist.blogspot.com
I believe we are not supposed to post live links so you may have to copy and paste it in your browser's address bar.
Good luck! Dr. Carlos Boudet
