A dental panoramic X-ray exposes a person to a very low level of radiation, typically in the range of about 9 to 26 microsieverts (µSv). This amount is considered minimal and safe by dental and health professionals. To put it in perspective, this radiation dose is roughly equivalent to a few days to a week of natural background radiation that everyone receives from the environment daily.
Panoramic X-rays are designed to capture a broad view of the entire mouth, including the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures, in a single image. Because they cover a large area at once, they often replace multiple smaller X-rays, resulting in lower overall radiation exposure compared to taking many individual dental X-rays separately.
Modern dental practices use digital panoramic X-ray machines, which significantly reduce radiation exposure compared to older film-based systems. Digital sensors require less radiation to produce clear images, sometimes reducing exposure by 80 to 90 percent. Additionally, protective measures such as lead aprons and thyroid collars are used to shield the rest of the body from unnecessary radiation.
To give more context, the radiation from a panoramic dental X-ray is:
– Much less than that from a chest X-ray or an upper gastrointestinal series.
– Less than the radiation you receive from natural sources like sunlight or building materials over a short period.
– Lower than the cumulative radiation from multiple individual dental X-rays taken separately.
Dentists carefully weigh the benefits and risks before recommending panoramic X-rays. They are typically used when a comprehensive view of the mouth is needed for diagnosis or treatment planning, such as for orthodontics, wisdom teeth evaluation, or detecting cysts and tumors. The frequency of these X-rays depends on individual dental health needs, but they are not taken routinely without cause.
In summary, the radiation dose from a dental panoramic X-ray is very low, safe, and minimized further by modern technology and protective practices. It provides valuable diagnostic information while keeping patient exposure to radiation as low as reasonably achievable.