Exposure to all sources of radiation, including the sun, minerals in the soil, household appliances, and dental X-rays, can damage the body’s tissues and cells and potentially lead to the development of cancer. Fortunately, the dose of radiation you are exposed to during dental X-rays is extremely small.
Advances in dentistry over the years have led to significantly lower radiation levels from dental X-rays. Some of these improvements include digital X-ray machines that limit the radiation beam to a small, targeted area; modern high-speed X-ray films that require shorter exposure times than older film types to achieve the same results; and the use of film holders that keep the film in place in the mouth, preventing slippage and reducing the need for repeat X-rays and additional radiation exposure.