Is It Safe to Get Dental X-Rays During Pregnancy?

Dental X-rays give dentists a detailed view of your teeth and jaw⁠—even the parts they can’t see with a regular checkup. This helps them spot any hidden problems and choose the best treatment to keep your smile healthy.¹

It’s understandable to have questions about dental X-rays if you’re expecting. The good news is that modern technology makes them incredibly safe, even during pregnancy. In this article, we’ll discuss more about it.

Are Dental X-rays Safe During Pregnancy?

It’s natural to be extra cautious when you’re expecting, and that includes having questions about dental X-rays. However, you should know that if your dentist recommends an X-ray, the benefits of keeping your oral health in check outweigh any potential concerns.

The American Dental Association considers them safe throughout your pregnancy.  Why? Because the amount of radiation used is so low that it won’t cause significant harm to your baby.^2,5,6

In fact, a single dental X-ray is about 500 times less radiation than you’d get on a coast-to-coast flight. Even experts like the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) agree.² They emphasize that it’s often riskier to skip essential dental care during pregnancy.

When Are Dental X-rays Recommended for Pregnant Women?

Dental X-rays are generally safe for any stage of pregnancy. When it comes to dental treatment during pregnancy, the benefits outweigh the risks.²

Some treatments, like endodontic treatment and extractions, are urgent to prevent infection and pain, which can cause more harm to the unborn child than a dental X-ray.

What are the Risks of Dental X-rays During Pregnancy?

Dentists take every precaution to minimize radiation exposure for people, especially those who are pregnant. They’ll focus the X-ray directly on your mouth and shield your torso with a lead apron. This means your baby receives minimal exposure.

However, it’s still important to be aware of the potential risks of dental X-rays, even though they are extremely low with modern advancements. These risks include:⁷

• Miscarriage
• Developmental and birth defects
• Growth restriction
• Impaired brain function
• Increased risk of childhood cancer for the baby

If you’ve had a dental X-ray before you knew you were pregnant, you don’t have to worry. It’s unlikely that the radiation exposure has done significant harm to you or the unborn child. 

Just inform your dentist about your pregnancy so they can adjust your future dental care accordingly. 

What Precautions Should Be Taken During Dental X-rays?

Proper radiation protection is a must for a pregnant person. Here are some precautions you should take when taking dental X-rays during pregnancy:

• Lead shielding ⁠— These are lead-based materials that protect you against radiation. Your dentist will place a lead apron with a collar to protect the most sensitive parts of your body, including the fetus.
• Proper techniques and up-to-date equipment — Dentists and other dental professionals use specialized equipment with proper techniques to obtain diagnostic images with the least amount of radiation.
• Limiting X-rays — You likely will need X-rays only once every 6-18 months, depending on your oral health status and history.
• Regular equipment maintenance — Dental radiology technicians must ensure that all X-ray equipment is working properly to minimize radiation exposure.

Are There Safer Alternatives to Traditional Dental X-rays?

The good news is there are ways to reduce your radiation exposure even further. Digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays. Plus, they give your dentist sharper images for a more accurate diagnosis. They’re also easier to adjust, meaning fewer retakes and even less radiation exposure overall.

If you’re concerned about traditional dental X-rays, we recommend talking to your dentist about digital X-rays. They may be a great option to minimize radiation while still getting detailed information about your smile’s health.

Other Dental Procedures Safe During Pregnancy

According to the American Dental Association, the following dental treatments are safe during pregnancy:⁹

• Preventive treatments (regular cleanings and checkups)
• Diagnostic treatment (tooth impressions and dental X-rays)
• Restorative dental treatment (dental fillings and crowns)
• Emergency treatment (root canal treatments and extractions)