There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation. We generally don’t start taking X-rays until a child is five years of age. Thereafter; we generally take X-rays once per year. Visually Dr. Doyle can’t see in between the teeth and that is where problems can occur. X-rays are needed to diagnose why a child is having a toothache and to prevent toothaches by finding decay while it is still small.
The X-rays we take are approximately equivalent to two days of natural radiation exposure that everyone receives by living on planet Earth. To put this in perspective, a flight from New York to LA is approximately equivalent to four-five days of natural radiation exposure.
We welcome questions and honor requests of parents wanting to wait longer than a year between dental X-rays.