Radiation Safety
Our Commitment to Radiation Safety
At C-Dental X-Ray and McCormack Dental Imaging, patient safety is a priority. We follow the ALARA principle — As Low As Reasonably Achievable — by selecting appropriate imaging settings to minimize radiation exposure while meeting the diagnostic needs of the referring doctor.
Our digital imaging technology helps reduce radiation exposure compared with traditional film-based imaging. For 3D cone beam CT (CBCT) scans, settings are selected based on the prescribed examination and the image detail required.
Why Are Dental X-Rays Important?
Dental X-rays allow your doctor to see areas that cannot be evaluated through a visual examination alone. They can help identify:
-
Tooth decay between teeth or beneath fillings
-
Bone infections
-
Gum disease and bone loss
-
Abscesses and cysts
-
Developmental abnormalities
-
Certain tumors
Early detection can help your doctor identify dental problems and determine appropriate treatment.
How Do Dental X-Rays Work?
X-rays pass through the mouth and are absorbed differently by various tissues. Dense structures, such as teeth and bone, absorb more radiation than softer tissues. A digital sensor captures the remaining X-rays to create an image, allowing your doctor to evaluate teeth, bone, and surrounding structures.
How Does Dental X-Ray Radiation Compare to Everyday Exposure?
We are exposed to small amounts of natural background radiation every day from sources such as cosmic rays and naturally occurring radioactive materials. Dental X-ray exposure varies depending on the type of examination and the imaging settings used.
Radiation dose is often measured in microsieverts (μSv). One sievert equals one million microsieverts. The charts below compare estimated radiation doses from dental imaging with selected medical and everyday sources. These values are estimates; actual exposure varies by patient and examination.
CBCT Radiation Dose (Dosimetry)
CBCT radiation dose depends on factors such as the scan area, image resolution, patient size, and positioning.
Our technicians select the field of view and resolution settings appropriate for the examination ordered by your doctor. The goal is to obtain the necessary diagnostic information while keeping radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable.
The charts below provide estimated radiation doses for selected imaging procedures. Individual patient doses may vary.
If you have questions about your recommended imaging examination or radiation exposure, please speak with your referring doctor.