Receiving A Dental Xray When Pregnant
Dental xrays are a great diagnostic tool your dental team uses to improve your oral health. Around 1.4 billion xrays are taken each year at the dental office. Dental xrays are safe because of the practice ALARA – As Low As Reasonably Achievable used by all practitioners. This is also applied to a dental x-ray used when pregnant.
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The Types of Dental Xrays
Dental radiographs are an important preventative and diagnostic service. X-rays help diagnose cavities, evaluate the bone level, check for any abnormalities, and see any plaque buildup called calculus (tartar). You may be asked to have a dental xray when pregnant at the dentist. The most common types of dental xrays are:
- Bitewings: These images are done routinely every 12-18 months at the dental cleanings. This is one of the main ways to diagnose cavities and involves 2-4 different images.
- Periapical: A periapical x-ray is an image that shows the whole tooth all the way down to the root. It is routinely done in full mouth series but is also used to diagnose any dental problems like an infection.
- Panoramic: This x-ray is usually taken every 3-5 years. It shows the whole smile and facial structures. It is a great screening image for any pathology or abnormalities in the face.
- Full-Mouth Series: A series of x-rays that involves bitewings and periapical images make up a full-mouth series. Also called an FMX, these preventative images are done every 3-5 years.
Importance of Dental Visits When Pregnant
Why is oral hygiene so important during pregnancy?
A mother’s oral health is connected to their babies health in many ways. It comes down to the bacteria’s ability to travel in the bloodstream. This bacteria is linked to the production of the chemical Prostaglandins and can trigger preterm labor.
Parents can also transmit aggressive bacteria to the baby after they are born through saliva. This is called vertical transmission. Avoid sharing utensils with your baby to avoid it.
This is why it is important for mothers to have good oral health practices for their health and their baby’s health.
For more information on oral health during pregnancy, check out our articles:
The Worry Behind A Dental Xray When Pregnant
Xrays use radiation to produce an image of inside the teeth and bone. This form of energy can be dangerous when exposed to high levels. Dental xrays use a very low amount of radiation that makes them safe to get routinely at the dental office. You’re actually around radiation every day. Other sources of radiation that are higher then dental xrays are:
- The Outdoors: Background radiation occurs naturally in the environment. The soil, sun, air, and water all expose you to radiation.
- Electronics: Cell phones, computers, lamps, and other electronics produce a small amount of radiation.
- Flying: You are exposed to radiation on each flight you take on an airplane. This is due to cosmic radiation from the stars, planets, black holes, and asteroids in space.
- Food and Drinking Water: Food absorbs radiation from the soil used to grow it. It is also absorbed in drinking water and the water used to grow foods.
Is A Dental XRay When Pregnant Safe?
Receiving a dental xray when pregnant is absolutely safe. This is due to the very small amount of radiation used for dental xrays and the precautionary measures taken by your dental team. The use of newer xray technology combined with wearing a lead apron will keep you and your baby safe.
It is still recommended to have dental x-rays postponed if possible when pregnant but are safe to receive if necessary. Always let your dental team know if you are pregnant and of any other changes to your health. The use of newer technology with dental xrays combined with wearing a lead apron will keep you and your baby safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it ok to skip xrays at the dentist when pregnant?
Dental xrays are very safe to get when pregnant. Express your concerns with your dental team and always let them know when you are pregnant and any other medical changes in your life. If your oral health is good and you are not experiencing any problems, you may be able to postpone your dental xrays until next visit.
What if you had a dental xray when pregnant?
It is safe to receive all dental xrays throughout your pregnancy. There is nothing to worry about if you received a dental xray when pregnant.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
