"I don't want to have any x-rays taken." "I don't see any reason to have X-rays!." These are familiar concerns raised by some patients which are understandable, but are scientifically speaking baseless. Some people are afraid of X-ray because of its ability (at high dose) to damage tissues. However, according to the National Committee on Radiation Protection and the U.S. Public Health Service, with modern X-ray techniques and equipment, there is no reason for concern by patients undergoing a dental X-ray examination.

With modern radiation techniques, the amount of radiation received from one dental X-ray reaching the more sensitive cells of the body is approximately the same as that received in a single day from natural sources, such as cosmic rays from outer space and radioactive sand and stones.

A complete X-ray survey, taken once every several years, usually consist of 14-18 exposures. In order to better comprehend the risk of such an exposure, consider the following table which compares the amount of exposures to various risk agents that pose equal life threatening effect.
 

SELECTED ACTIVITIES THAT IMPOSE EQUAL HAZARDS

Smoking 1.4 Cigarettes

Spending 1 hour in a coal mine

Living 2 days in New York City (due to air Pollution)

Traveling 300 miles by car

Having 1 chest X-ray taken in a good hospital

Having 33 dental X-rays taken by a modern X-ray machine

For example, it can be seen that a complete X-ray survey poses less anticipated hazard (tissue damage) than traveling 300 miles by automobile (accident hazards.)

But why X-rays? Because the benefits considerably outweighs its negligible risk. There are over 200 diseases which occur in the mouth and jaw, some of which are life threatening. Most of these diseases can only be identified by dental X-rays. Dental X-ray is proven to be the most effective diagnostic device that dentist use for finding dental diseases such as periodontal disease and cavities.

It is essential that patients allow dental X-rays to be taken when needed, and at the same time be assured that modern X-ray equipment are safe.