Dental x-ray radiation

[weird_pain]

I have had an on-going issue for almost a year now with the reason still unknown.
I have been to several dentists, specialists and the hospital and have somehow ended up having 15 dental x-rays, 1 cone beam scan, 1 CT scan and an MRI scan all in less than a year!
How worried should I be with the amount of radiation I have been exposed too?

 

[Dr M]

Modern digital x-rays contain a lot less harmful radiation than their historic predecessors. I would not be too worried about the radiation. All medical professionals always try to go by the ALARA principle, which is " as low as reasonably acceptable" , in terms of radiation exposure and will only request x-rays or scans if it is really indicated.

 

[MattKW]

Here's a graphic and an article which might allay your fears. We are constantly exposed to background radiation, and we take risks in many other ways that can be harmful.

 

[Canary]

I often wondered this every time a Dental Technician put a lead vest on me for X-Ray!

 

[MattKW]

Actually, in Australia lead aprons are not required for most dental Xrays because they are usually directed laterally across your head. Only scattered radiation goes downwards, and a lead apron doesn't stop that. Even for pregnant women.