Are X-rays at the Dentist safe?

If you've ever been told you need dental X-rays, you may have paused and wondered: Are they really safe? Do I actually need them?

The short answer: Yes, dental X-rays are very safe — and they're a critical part of your long-term oral health. Let’s break down why.

Dental X-rays use very low levels of radiation, so low that they’re considered one of the safest types of medical imaging. Here's why:

Minimal exposure: The average dental X-ray exposes you to less radiation than you’d receive from a short airplane flight or even a day in the sun.
Protective measures: Dentists use lead aprons and digital X-ray technology to further reduce your exposure.
Digital = safer: Most modern offices (like ours) use digital X-rays, which use 80-90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays.

Dental X-rays allow us to see what the naked eye can’t. They help catch issues early, often before you feel pain or notice anything wrong.

540Here’s what X-rays help us detect:

Without X-rays, many of these problems could go undetected until they become painful or require more expensive treatment.

It depends on your age, risk factors, and dental history. Here's a general guideline:

New patients: We require a full set to establish a baseline.
Routine checkups: Most healthy adults may only need X-rays once every 1–2 years.
Children: May need them more often to monitor growth and development.
Patients with issues: If you have ongoing dental problems, we may recommend X-rays more frequently.

We always follow the ALARA principle — As Low As Reasonably Achievable — to ensure you only receive X-rays when necessary.

Dental X-rays are:

If you have questions or concerns about X-rays, we’re happy to walk you through your options and explain when and why we recommend them.

Need a dental checkup? Schedule your appointment today — and rest easy knowing your smile is in safe, caring hands.

📞 Call us at -[540-989-4093]

📍 Visit us at [5020 Grandin Road SW, Roanoke, Virginia 24018]

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