Is it safe to get dental xrays during pregnancy? Does anybody know what risks are involved?

Question

I think I am a couple weeks pregnant but it is too soon to tell. I am going to an oral surgeon to get a tooth extracted in the morning. If I get exrays will it harm the fetus?

Answer 1

You need to tell your oral surgeon as I do believe that this is NOT safe for the unborn child.

Answer 2

I'm a dentist.

It depends. The "rule" is that x-rays should not be taken during the first trimester, as this is when organogenesis is taking place. Obviously, at two weeks, you are in the very early stages and the embryo is in its most vulnerable state. In light of this, it is in everyone's best interest to keep to an absolute minimum the amount of radiation to which the embryo is exposed.

When I say "absolute minimum", what does this mean? It means that x-rays should be taken only when they are absolutely necessary, i.e. in "emergency" situations where treatment must be rendered (e.g. in situations involving trauma, infection, or pain). If your tooth is not bothering you and is not infected, then you do not need the x-ray because you do not need treatment.

That being said, keep in mind that the amount of radiation to which you are exposed from a dental x-ray is exceedingly small. It is a mere fraction of that required to damage DNA in an embryo. Hence, even if the x-ray tube were pointed directly at your abdomen, it is highly unlikely that the embryo would be harmed. But the tube will not be pointed at your abdomen. It will be pointed at your head. Moreover, your abdomen will be covered with a lead apron that will deflect all the radiation. You can see where I'm going with this. You needn't worry if a radiograph has to be taken.

We say "no elective x-rays" during the first trimester simply because there is that slight, slight risk that it could cause harm, and there is no reason to expose an embryo unnecessarily to that slight, slight risk.

In an emergency situation, you as the mother need treatment. The risk to your pregnancy is far greater from being under the stress of an infection or severe dental pain than it is from the x-ray. Every form of treatment we doctors make is based on a comparison of the risks versus the benefits.

Answer 3

I am a dental assistant and when a patient is a pregnant we only take the x-rays necessary using a lead apron to cover the belly area. Make sure they use a lead apron to cover your belly and if they have two aprons it won't hurt to get them to use both. Dental x-rays aren't real dangerous, but it doesn't hurt to be extra safe. Make sure they don't go taking more than they really need at the time. Only what is needed

Answer 4

since they put that heavy lead apron over the rest of your body when they take the x-rays, your internal organs and any possible fetus should be okay.

but just in case, call the dentist office and have them ask the dentist, preferably BEFORE THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE. he should know the definate answer (hopefully).

Answer 5

Tell the oral sugeon when you get there that you might be pregnant. Nomally x-rays are done in the dentist office and then they forward them to the oral sugeon and no new x-rays are needed.

Answer 6

They usually drape your 'front side' with a lead based smock, of sorts. Be sure to tell whomever is going to x-ray you there is a possibilty of you being in that condition.

Answer 7

make sure you tell the denist or oral surgeon... that you might be pregnant..before they do anything to you....better safe then sorry...they will tell you if it is safe..if you get a tooth pulled they might want to numb your gums to pull the tooth....always ask the denist first ...to make sure its safe.....