How safe are x-rays?

In the 100+ years since the discovery of X-rays, the use of X-rays and other imaging procedures has revolutionized the practice of medicine. Like most other forms of progress, questions arise about the safety of medical X-ray examinations. Albany Advanced Imaging is pleased to offer this information to you and to your physician as part of our ongoing commitment to patient education and to the highest standards of radiologic practice. Radiation is part of nature We are constantly exposed to naturally occurring sources of radiation in the environment. These natural sources of radiation are of two major types: cosmic radiation (originating outside our atmosphere) and radioactivity from certain minerals in the earth (e.g., radon) or from commonly used building materials (brick and masonry). Taken together, these naturally occurring radiation sources produce an annual radiation exposure of approximately 300 mrem to residents of the United States. This natural background radiation exposure i ... more

X-rays have come a long way over the years. At the Urban Dental Centre we use the most current in technology. We are equipped with digital x-rays. These x-rays require much less radiation than traditional x-rays do. You are protected with a lead apron which radiation cannot penetrate through, every time an x-ray is taken. For more information on digital x-rays, refer to the "what's new" section of our website. ... more

The risks associated with medical x-rays are frequently exaggerated. It is estimated that the chances of contracting cancer as a result of an x-ray of the chest, for example, are similar to the risks of contracting cancer by inhaling the smoke of one cigarette - about one in a million. If you are worried about any treatment or scans you may be having, speak again to your GP, your specialist or one of our radiologists. If they know of your concerns they will always make time to explain the examination or treatment in more detail. ... more

The risks associated with medical x-rays are frequently exaggerated. It is estimated that the chances of contracting cancer as a result of an x-ray of the chest, for example, are similar to the risks of contracting cancer by inhaling the smoke of one cigarette - about one in a million. If you are worried about any treatment or scans you may be having, speak again to your GP or the hospital staff. They can refer to your medical records and if they know of your concerns they will always make time to explain the examination or treatment in more detail. For more information click here. ... more

X-rays are an integral part of the comprehensive oral exam. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit radiation to children and take them only if indicated. With the proper safety measures, the amount of radiation received in a dental X-ray is extremely small and the risk is negligible. The risk of an undetected and untreated dental problem is far greater than dental X-rays. ... more

Exposure to all sources of radiation -- including the sun, minerals in the soil, appliances in your home, and dental X-rays -- can damage the body's tissues and cells and can lead to the development of cancer in some instances. Fortunately, the dose of radiation you are exposed to during the taking of dental X-rays is extremely small. Advances in dentistry over the years have lead to a number of measures that will minimize the risks associated with X-rays. However, even with the advancements in safety, the effects of radiation are added together over a lifetime. So every little bit of radiation you receive from all sources counts. If you are concerned about radiation exposure due to X-rays, talk to your dentist about how often X-rays are needed and why they are being taken. While some people need X-rays taken more frequently, current guidelines require that X-rays be given only when needed for clinical diagnosis. Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dentistry. ... more