However, advancements in dental X-ray technology have reduced the apron’s necessity, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Industry experts say digital X-ray technology results in ...

FILE – A dental X-ray is displayed in St. Johnsbury, Vt., on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007. The American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs said Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, it will no longer ...

BOSTON - The protective aprons used during dental X-rays may be doing more harm than good. If you've ever had an X-ray of your teeth at the dentist, you've had a heavy lead apron draped over you ...

Dental X-ray exposure levels are very low — and much lower than they used to be, Dr. Brenner said. “Over the last 30 years or so, the technology has improved,” he said.

To highlight their point the dentists pointed out that a computed tomography, or CT scan, exposes a patient to between 1 and 10 mSv — up to 2,000 times more radiation than a dental X-ray.

This X-ray narrows its focus on one or two teeth rather than your entire mouth. It can detect cracks, fractures and other damage that may be causing tooth pain. Cost with insurance: $10 ...

X-ray beams are now more focused, ... “It’s like taking a flight from, let’s say, from Michigan to San Francisco, it gives you the equivalent of one dental X-ray,” Kumar said.