Are X-Rays Safe?

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

By the team at Martin Dentistry – Dr. Matt Martin, Dr. Stephanie Martin, Dr. Lindsey Garrison, and Dr. Kyle Meding

If you’re like many people, you might have some questions about dental X-rays—especially about how safe they are. At Martin Dentistry, we want you to feel comfortable and informed about every part of your visit, so let’s talk about dental X-ray safety in a simple, clear way.

What Are Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays are special pictures that help us see inside your teeth, gums, and jawbone. They show details we can’t see with just a look inside your mouth. This helps us catch problems early, like cavities, infections, or bone loss.

How Much Radiation Is in Dental X-Rays?

One of the biggest concerns people have is radiation exposure. The good news? Modern dental X-rays use digital technology that produces very small amounts of radiation—much less than older methods.

To put it in perspective:

A single dental X-ray exposes you to about the same amount of radiation as a few days of natural background radiation we get just from being outside.

It’s far less than the radiation from a chest X-ray or CT scan.

What About Lead Aprons? Do I Still Need One?

You might remember wearing a lead apron during dental X-rays. Recently, major health organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated their guidelines. They now say that lead aprons are no longer needed for routine dental X-rays.

Why? Because digital X-rays are so low in radiation, the apron doesn’t provide extra protection and can sometimes block important parts of the image. So, while we used to use lead aprons routinely, today it’s safe and common to skip them.

How Often Should I Get Dental X-Rays?

We only take X-rays when they are truly needed. For most patients with good oral health, this means once a year or less. If you have specific dental concerns or ongoing treatment, your dentist might recommend X-rays more often.

Our goal is to use X-rays wisely—to keep your smile healthy without unnecessary exposure.

Why Trust Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays are one of the safest and most helpful tools we have to protect your oral health. They allow us to catch problems early, when treatment is simpler and less costly. Plus, the technology is always improving to make the process faster and safer.

Ready for Your Next Dental Visit?

At Martin Dentistry, your health and safety come first. If you have questions about dental X-rays or any part of your care, just ask! We’re here to make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way.

Schedule your next appointment at our Indianapolis (Broad Ripple) 317-576-3600 or Fishers, IN 317-577-9220 location today, and keep your smile bright and healthy.