HadTown USA
Dental  X-Ray
            I
Approximately 100 MILLION dental x-rays are done each year in the United States.
Dental x -rays provide your dentist with a vital tool that shows the condition of your
teeth including roots, jaw placements, and the overall composition of your facial bones.
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Bite-Wing X.Roy
In a dentist's office you are most likely to encounter radiation from a diagnostic x-ray. X-rays pass more
easily through the soft tissues of our bodies than through our bones and organs. After passing through our
body, x-rays strike a special x-ray film, creating an image showing shadows where our bones, organs and
other dense masses, like teeth, have absorbed x-rays.

Like microwaves, radio waves, and visible light, the x-rays produced by an x-ray machine are a form of
electromagnetic radiation. Unlike microwaves, radio waves, and visible light, x-rays are ionizing radiation,
which is capable of removing electrons from atoms and damaging living cells and the DNA of those cells.
However, since x-ray machines only produce radiation during operation and the amount of radiation used is
small, resulting medical problems are unlikely.

Dental x-rays are usually conducted to:
    Detect problems in the mouth such as tooth decay, damage to the bones supporting the teeth, and dental
    injuries (such as broken tooth roots).
    Detect teeth that are abnormally placed or don't break through the gums properly.
    Evaluate the presence and location of permanent teeth growing in the jaw of a child who  still has baby
    teeth.

    Plan treatment for large or extensive cavities, root canal surgery, placement of dental implants, and
    difficult tooth removals.
    Plan for orthodontic treatment,  like braces.
Who is protecting you
The States
State radiation programs, in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regulate, register,
and inspect x-ray equipment used in medical, dental, and veterinary procedures.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
While the states regulate use of x-ray equipment, FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH)
regulates the manufacturing of electronic radiation-emitting products.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The mission of NIST is to develop and promote measurement, standards, and technology to enhance
productivity, facilitate trade, and improve the quality of life. Although anon-regulatory federal agency, NIST
makes x-ray machines safer for patients and workers by updating the technology and measurement standards
upon which x-ray machines are based.
 United States Environmental Protection Agency  |  Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (6608J)  |   EPA 402-F-07-014    June 2007
                                                                     www.epa.gov/radtown/dental_xray.html

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 RadTown  USA
What you  can  do to protect yourself

Only trained and qualified persons should operate x-ray machines. You can best protect yourself by only
having x-ray procedures performed by qualified personnel. You should follow any instructions given by your
dentist. To prevent any unnecessary exposures, a lead apron may be used to shield the parts of your body not
being x-rayed. Tell your dentist if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, or are nursing.

Finally, before having an x-ray, if you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to ask your dentist.


Resources

You can explore this radiation source further through the resources at the following URL:
http: //www .epa. gov/radtown/dental_xray .htm#re source s

We provide these resources on-line rather than here so we can keep the links up-to-date.
 United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (6608J)  |  EPA 402-F-07-014
                                                                                      June 2007
                                                                   www.epa.gov/radtown/dental_xray.html

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