Usually, dentists adhere to ADA (American Dental Association) guidelines when they give patients dental X-rays. With this in mind, we’re going to talk about these ADA-recommended safety measures today. Once you’ve read this article, you’ll see that a lot of safety measures are taken. Dentists definitely care about the safety of their patients!
Digital Technology Is Preferred
Top-notch dental clinics will generally utilize cutting-edge digital technology for X-rays. It’s preferred because it’s safer and more effective than the old-fashioned X-ray method, which involves the usage of high-speed film.
As well, great dental clinics will ensure that scheduled maintenance of X-ray machines is conducted. When equipment for taking dental X-rays is in perfect working order, patients are safer.
Some dental clinic staff members help to keep patients safer by utilizing existing X-rays, provided that they are up to date and show accurate visual data. For example, when patients are referred to orthodontists, digital files may be shared with orthodontists in order to remove the necessity for other rounds of X-rays. It’s also common practice that dental clinics reuse X-rays which were taken for other purposes.
Patients Are Shielded From Radiation
Another important facet of safety measures for dental patients who are getting X-rays is the usage of protective devices. For example, patients may be shielded from radiation via lead collars which are very protective, as well as aprons which are also protective.
There are an array of practical ways to protect dental patients. For example, some dental practitioners utilize E-speed films. Others use thyroid collars and/or lead aprons. Most dental clinics feature lead partitions and other clinics utilize a rule known as the “position distance” rule in order to keep patients safe. Also, dental X-ray technicians make an effort to stand at the safest angle to X-ray machines. Less common methods of protecting patients include walls which are leaded and film badges.
Facts About Dental X-rays
When compared with most other types of X-rays, dental X-rays are low-dose in terms of radiation. The amount of radiation that a patient will be exposed to during dental X-rays is roughly the same as the quantity of radiation exposure that a passenger is exposed to during an airplane flight with a duration of one to two hours.
Since dental X-rays don’t expose patients to a lot of radiation, and dentists take care to use safety measures while doing X-rays of patients, there is really nothing for most patients to worry about.
