Are routine dental X-rays safe and necessary?

Radiation in the amounts used to expose dental X-rays, is very small. In fact, the average American actually receives more radiation from sitting in front of the family television for a period of one year than from routine X-rays taken at the dental office. Dental X-rays are taken to diagnose problems that may be occurring in your teeth, and supporting bone, that are not visible to the naked eye. If the condition is allowed to develop until it is detectable by a visual exam it will require more extensive treatment than if caught in the early stages. How the test will feel? The X-ray itself causes no discomfort. Some people find that biting on the piece of film makes them gag. Slow, deep breathing through the nose usually relieves this feeling. ... more