A single set of dental bitewing X-rays exposes a patient to roughly the same amount of radiation as a few hours of ordinary background exposure from simply existing on Earth — airplane flights, and even a day at a high-altitude location, involve comparable or greater exposure. Digital X-ray sensors, now standard in most practices, reduce that dose further compared to older film-based systems, often by 50 to 80 percent. Dentists follow the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), taking X-rays only at the interval a patient’s individual cavity risk and treatment history justify — typically every one to two years for low-risk adults, more frequently for children, patients in active orthodontic treatment, or those with a history of frequent decay. Lead aprons and thyroid collars are used as an extra precaution, particularly for children and pregnant patients.
July 21, 2026