How much radiation are in dental x-rays? Are they safe?

While very little radiation is involved when taking dental x-rays, our office strongly adheres to the principal of “ALARA” - an acronym for As Low As Reasonably Achievable - a guiding principal in radiation safety.  Thus, recommendations for taking dental-xrays are made on an individual basis depending on a patient’s risk.

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While patients can refuse dental x-rays, they must weigh the low risk of radiation exposure to the risk of missed dental findings, which could prevent the accurate and timely diagnosis of disease such as tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease. Be mindful that these issues can often present without symptoms early on.  

As the amount of radiation in dental x-rays is very low as is the risk to one’s health, x-rays are a very useful screening tool that can often catch problems in early stages.  Often, this will prevent more complex, time-consuming and expensive treatment.

See the below image for better context and to more rationally perceive the risk of dental x-rays.

A set of “Bitewing” x-rays (2-4 images to check in between back teeth for potential cavities or other problems, commonly done during a cleaning and check-up appointment) results in the same amount of radiation exposure a person might be expected to receive in a normal 24 hour period (due to environmental, background radiation) or a short, two-hour plane ride (there is more natural radiation exposure in the atmosphere).

A full set of x-rays to check all the teeth and different angles (12-18 images), which may be prescribed for new patients where more information needs to be collected, is equivalent to one or two days of background radiation or a longer trans-oceanic flight.

Last updated June 2025 by Dr. Ryan Lum-Tai, DDS