If you have ever been to the dentist, you will have had a dental x-ray. And if you have never been to the dentist, you really should go! But what are these dental x-rays about? What is there history, and are there any risks associated with them?
History of the Dental X-Ray
Dental x-rays were developed by Wilhelm Rontgen, a German physicist, in the 19th century. It uses visible light to penetrate through the human body, creating images to be investigated. This tool is used all over the field of medicine, including to check for bone fractures and other such issues.
Why Are X-Rays Used?
Usually, when you register with a new dentist, they will take a set of dental x-rays so that they can see what your current dental situation is, and whether there are any existing or emerging problems. How often you will get an x-ray depends on your overall oral health. Kids, for instance, will generally need more frequent x-rays than adults. This is because they are developing and it is important to check whether or not this development is going properly.
Are They Safe?
A lot of people worry whether dental x-rays are safe. The answer is ‘yes’. However, x-rays do use radiation, so proper safety procedures have to be followed. Of course, you also have to understand that radiation is all around us, everywhere we go. There are natural forms of radiation emanating from the earth itself. There is cosmic radiation, which passes straight through the planet and each of its inhabitants.
It has been proven again and again that the levels of radiation of dental x-rays is the same as the radiation you experience on a daily basis anyway. Frequent travelers actually have far higher levels of radiation, because they travel higher into the stratosphere. This means they are less protected from cosmic radiation. Yet, nobody really worries about that.
However, some precautions do have to be taken. Pregnant women, for instance, should avoid having these x-rays as a safety measure. If, on the other hand, there is a significant risk of developing gum disease or other types of serious illnesses, an x-ray should be offered.
Many dentists also encourage children and women to wear lead covering. However, this is again just out of precaution and not because there is a clear and present danger.
In summary, it really is about trusting technology. We have come a long way since the 19th century and technology has only improved since those days. It is always about weighing up the pros and cons of any situation. Yes, you are exposed to low level radiation by getting a dental x-ray. However, not having the x-ray could leave you exposed to various illnesses that could cost you a whole lot more in life. Similarly, when you walk on the street, you are exposing yourself to the potential of getting run over by a bus, but that generally won’t stop you from going out.
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