A **periapical dental X-ray** exposes a patient to a very small amount of radiation, typically in the range of about **1 to 8 microsieverts (µSv)** per image, depending on the technology used and the exact procedure. This amount is extremely low compared to everyday sources of radiation and other medical imaging tests.
To put this in perspective, the radiation from a single periapical X-ray is roughly equivalent to the natural background radiation a person receives in about **one to two days** from the environment, such as cosmic rays and naturally occurring radioactive materials in soil and air. It is also far less than the radiation from a chest X-ray or a CT scan. Modern dental offices often use **digital X-ray systems**, which reduce radiation exposure by up to 90% compared to older film-based methods.
Periapical X-rays focus on capturing detailed images of one or a few teeth, including the root and surrounding bone. This targeted approach means the X-ray beam is very focused, limiting radiation exposure to the rest of the body. Additionally, protective measures such as lead aprons and thyroid collars are commonly used to shield other parts of the body from stray radiation.
The low radiation dose from a periapical X-ray is considered safe for most patients, including children and pregnant women, when used appropriately and only when clinically necessary. Dentists carefully weigh the benefits of detecting dental problems early—such as infections, abscesses, bone loss, or impacted teeth—against the minimal risk from radiation exposure.
In summary, a periapical dental X-ray delivers a tiny dose of radiation, often less than what you receive naturally in a day or two, thanks to focused beams and modern digital technology. This makes it a safe and valuable diagnostic tool in dental care.
