Are Dental X-rays Safe While Pregnant?

Updated on November 17, 2011
M.H. asks from Lima, OH
8 answers

I posted a question earlier & forgot to mention I had an x-ray before getting a tooth pulled this morning. They put 2 apron things on me, but I just ready that having an x-ray done can cause birth defects, is this true???? I really hope not, but I could not go on with the pain of the infection in my tooth any longer. And I am still in my first trimester

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A.S.

answers from Dallas on

Radiographs do produce harmful radiation but dental radiographs are some of the safest out there. It is directed in a tight beam to a spot away from the baby in such a minimal amount.so I wouldn't worry about it. In order to be harmful you would need to be exposed for a very extended amount of time at a high dose.and the beam would need to be directed on the baby. It is much more serious to allow infection of the mouth to linger because it can make you sick and then be especially harmful to the baby.

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B.S.

answers from Lansing on

I had a couple xrays with my first. (Had a root canal) My daughter was born as healthy as can be. They assured me it was safe and also put two aprons on.

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V.C.

answers from Dallas on

I agree with Dawn. Don't worry.

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L..

answers from Roanoke on

I went to the dentist last week for a cleaning. I told them there is a possibility I could be pregnant, and they refused to do my annual x-ray. The tech said that if the dentist really wanted me to have one, they would do it and make sure I was covered well with the lead apron, but if I didn't absolutely need it, they wouldn't do it. I think you're fine since they gave you the protection. :)

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B.G.

answers from Champaign on

I read both of your questions, and you really need to relax, partly because what's done is done and no amount of worrying is going to change that.

You told the dentist you were pregnant, your dentist consulted with your OB, at some point you really need to trust them to do their job.

While it is true the too much radiation can harm your unborn child, one x-ray is not going to put forth that much radiation. Placing 2 aprons on you was an extra precaution (that was done to me once, as I had a broken wrist and my husband and I were trying).

Try to relax. Your job is to do your best to be healthy and safe. Your doctors' jobs are to do whatever they can to keep you that way and give you their best care and advise. You need to try and trust your doctors to uphold their end of the bargain.

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J.B.

answers from Evansville on

I take xrays (not dental, but in a hospital). The amount of radiation you received with a dental xray was very minimal and very focused. The lead aprons they put over you protect the baby from the radiation that passes through you -aimed at the wall-, bounces off the wall and scatters around the room. It also bounces of the apron away from you and baby. Lead is what we wear on a daily basis to protect ourselves from excessive radiation when we have to be in the room with a patient. You get as much radiation flying in an airplane as having a chest xray -just for comparison.
You're safe and so is baby! Take care! Hope that's helpful.

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N.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

I've read and heard many times the infection from your tooth could cause more damage to your unborn baby than the xray. You have to weigh the risk to benefit ratio. At this point, both your dentist and your OB agreed the xray was more beneficial than not. A friend of mine had a complete back CT not knowing she was pregnant her son came out perfectly healthy. With dental xrays, the radiation (in theory) is very localized and since they put a double vest on you---I think you really have nothing to worry about. You made the right decision enjoy your pain free tooth :)

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J.K.

answers from Milwaukee on

Don't worry about it. But in the future, I wouldn't get an x-ray while pregnant.

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