Pregnancy and Radiation Safety: What You Need to Know About Dental Imaging

Understanding Dental X-Rays During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time when many patients become more cautious about medical procedures, including dental care. Dental X-rays are an essential diagnostic tool that help your dentist detect cavities, infections, and other oral health issues before they become serious.

The good news: modern dental X-rays are safe during pregnancy when proper precautions are taken.

Safety Measures for Dental Imaging

Dental practices follow strict safety protocols to minimize radiation exposure, including:

• Lead Aprons and Thyroid Collars
  • Protects both the abdomen and thyroid from scattered radiation.
• Digital X-Rays
  • Use significantly lower radiation compared to traditional film X-rays.
• Limiting X-Rays to Essential Cases
  • Only taken when necessary to diagnose or treat a dental condition.

With these measures, the amount of radiation your baby is exposed to during dental X-rays is negligible.

When Are X-Rays Necessary During Pregnancy?

Your dentist may recommend X-rays during pregnancy if:

• You have severe tooth pain or suspected infection
• There is trauma to the teeth or jaw
• Treatment decisions require imaging for complex dental work

Routine X-rays for checkups are often postponed until after delivery, unless your dentist determines they are critical.

Tips for Expecting Moms

1. Inform Your Dentist

• Always let your dental team know you are pregnant so they can take extra precautions.

2. Ask Questions About Necessity

• Understand why an X-ray is needed and how it will help your oral health.

3. Maintain Oral Hygiene

• Good brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings can sometimes reduce the need for urgent X-rays by preventing dental emergencies.

Bottom Line

Dental X-rays during pregnancy are safe when modern equipment and protective measures are used. They are a critical tool to detect and treat dental problems early, keeping both you and your baby healthy.

Have questions about dental imaging during pregnancy? Contact our office today—we’re here to provide safe, effective care for expecting moms!