Dental X-Rays Explained: Are They Safe?

If you’ve ever paused before agreeing to a dental X-ray, you’re not wrong to ask questions. It’s smart to understand what’s being done — and why. At Stillwater Dentistry in Rome, GA, we value informed patients and open conversations. So let’s break down what dental X-rays are, why they’re an essential part of your care, and how safety is built into every step of the process.

The reality is this: dental X-rays are both safe and vital for maintaining your oral health. They allow us to catch problems early, plan treatments accurately, and protect your smile with greater confidence and precision.

Why Dental X-Rays Are More Than Just a Picture

Even the most thorough visual exam only shows us part of the story. Dental X-rays allow Dr. Saahil Patel, Dr. Aditi Mandalaywala, and Dr. Christopher Keenan to see what’s happening inside your teeth, beneath your gums, and within your jaw.

What can we detect with X-rays?

• Tooth decay between teeth or under restorations
• Bone loss due to gum disease
• Abscesses, infections, or cysts
• Impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth
• Jaw issues or sinus involvement
• Tooth root orientation and nerve positioning for procedures

For most patients, X-rays are recommended once a year during checkups, unless a specific issue requires closer monitoring. If you’re at higher risk for decay or have a history of dental work, we may take them more often. Either way, we tailor imaging frequency to your needs — never out of routine or habit.

How Safe Are Dental X-Rays Today?

Dental X-rays have come a long way, especially with modern digital technology. At Stillwater Dentistry, we use digital sensors, which require significantly less radiation than traditional film-based X-rays.

To put it in perspective:

• A full set of digital dental X-rays exposes you to less radiation than you’d receive during a short flight on a commercial airplane.
• You’re exposed to more background radiation just from living your everyday life than from the occasional dental image.

Do You Still Need a Lead Apron?

For years, it was standard practice to use lead aprons during every dental X-ray. However, recent guidance from the ADA and other medical authorities now indicates that routine shielding is not necessary — thanks to the extremely low levels of radiation involved in modern dental imaging.

Digital X-rays are highly targeted and expose only a small area of the body. That said, if you feel more comfortable with a lead apron, we’re always happy to accommodate that request. Your preferences and peace of mind are always part of the conversation.

Are X-Rays Safe During Pregnancy?

This is a common question, especially for expecting patients. The short answer is: yes, dental X-rays can be safely performed during pregnancy — particularly if there’s an urgent issue that needs diagnosis. Digital imaging is localized and low-dose, and we always discuss options with your medical provider as needed.

However, for routine checkups, we often postpone non-urgent X-rays until after delivery — just to keep things simple and cautious, unless immediate care is required.

How We Use Imaging to Improve Your Care

At Stillwater Dentistry, dental X-rays aren’t just something we “take” — they’re something we use intentionally. Every image informs your treatment plan and helps us:

• Identify issues early, before they cause pain
• Track changes over time with visual clarity
• Plan precise, minimally invasive treatments
• Monitor healing after a procedure or surgery
• Avoid unnecessary work by confirming what’s truly needed

When we recommend an X-ray, it’s always with a clear purpose. And if you ever have questions — about why, how often, or what we’re looking for — we’re here to walk you through it.

Your Safety Is Built Into Every Step

Everything about our imaging process is designed to prioritize your safety:

• We use digital sensors for the lowest possible radiation exposure
• We follow ADA and FDA guidelines for imaging frequency and use
• We offer protective shielding for patients who request it
• We maintain precise equipment calibration and staff training
• We clearly explain why we recommend any imaging — no surprises

Our approach is conservative, transparent, and focused on long-term health, not just the moment in the chair.

Digital X-Rays at Stillwater Dentistry in Rome, GA

If it’s time for your next checkup — or if you’ve been hesitant about dental imaging in the past — we’d love to answer your questions and help you feel confident in your care. Schedule a visit at Stillwater Dentistry in Rome, GA, and experience thoughtful, safe, and informed dental care from a team that treats your health like their own.

Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Categorised in: Dental X-Rays, Preventive Dentistry