Short answer: Yes, a dental X-ray can be taken during pregnancy when it is needed. According to the ADA and ACOG, the radiation dose of a dental X-ray is very low, and because the beam is directed at the mouth area, the dose reaching the uterus is negligible. A lead apron and thyroid collar are used during the exposure, and X-rays that can be postponed are left until after birth. If you had an X-ray taken without knowing you were pregnant and you are worried, talk to your obstetrician.
When an X-ray is requested during a dental exam, the first question of pregnant patients is usually the same: can a dental X-ray be taken during pregnancy, and will it affect the baby? The short answer is that it can be taken when it is needed and with appropriate protective measures. Dental X-rays are among the lowest-dose imaging methods used in medicine, and the beam is directed at the mouth area, away from the uterus. In this article, we compare the radiation dose with examples from daily life, answer the questions of those who had an X-ray without knowing they were pregnant, and also touch on the breastfeeding period.
Can a dental X-ray be taken during pregnancy?
Yes, a dental X-ray can be taken during pregnancy when it is necessary for diagnosis or treatment. The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) state that pregnancy alone is not a reason to postpone necessary dental X-rays. The key word here is "necessary." During pregnancy, routine X-rays that can be postponed are generally left until after birth; however, in situations such as pain, swelling, suspicion of an abscess or a tooth extraction, imaging may be needed to make the right diagnosis.
Starting treatment without an X-ray can, in some cases, cause the problem to be missed or a more extensive procedure than necessary to be performed. For this reason, the decision is an evaluation in which the benefit and the possible risk are weighed together. For an overview of dental treatments in pregnancy, you can also read our article on dental treatment during pregnancy.
What is the radiation dose of a dental X-ray?
The radiation dose of a dental X-ray is very low, and the amount reaching the uterus is negligible. Radiation dose is generally expressed in microsieverts (µSv). The approximate values given in the literature are as follows:
- A single periapical or bitewing film: Approximately 5 µSv or less with digital systems.
- Panoramic X-ray: Approximately 10–25 µSv, varying by device.
- Natural background radiation: The dose everyone receives from their surroundings alone is around 6–8 µSv per day.
- A long flight: The dose received on a flight of a few hours can be equivalent to a few dental films.
These figures are approximate and differ depending on the device, settings and technique used. The important point is this: the radiation levels that are a concern for the baby in pregnancy are far, far above the values measured in a dental X-ray. Moreover, most of this dose remains in the head and neck area; because the uterus is outside the beam field, the scattered radiation reaching it is as small as it is hard to measure.
If you had an X-ray without knowing you were pregnant
If you had a dental X-ray taken without knowing you were pregnant, according to generally accepted information there is most likely nothing to worry about. This happens quite often; the first weeks of pregnancy frequently pass without being noticed. A dental X-ray is directed at the mouth area, and the dose reaching the uterus is far below the levels known to pose a risk to the baby.
Still, it is understandable to have a question mark left in your mind. The most sensible thing to do in such a case is to talk to your obstetrician and tell them what type of X-ray was taken (a single film, panoramic or tomography). If needed, you can ask the clinic that took the X-ray for information about the type of exposure. Your doctor will answer your questions specific to your situation. Avoiding hasty decisions made out of anxiety and getting the information directly from your doctor is the healthiest way.
What precautions are taken?
When a dental X-ray is taken during pregnancy, the basic principle is to take what is necessary with the lowest possible dose and with protective measures. In practice, these steps stand out:
- Assessment of necessity: The dentist decides whether the X-ray will really contribute to diagnosis or treatment; exposures that can be postponed are postponed.
- Lead apron: A protective apron that covers the abdomen and pelvic area is used.
- Thyroid collar: A collar that protects the thyroid gland is placed around the neck. The thyroid is one of the sensitive organs closest to the beam field in head and neck imaging.
- Digital sensor and appropriate settings: Digital X-ray systems often require a lower dose than older film-based systems.
- Only the necessary area: Instead of the whole mouth, a single film focused on the problem tooth is preferred whenever possible.
Before the X-ray, be sure to tell your dentist that you are pregnant and which week you are in. This information directly affects which type of imaging the dentist chooses and the timing.
The difference between panoramic X-rays and tomography
A panoramic X-ray shows the entire jaw in a single image and has a low dose; dental tomography (cone beam computed tomography) gives a three-dimensional image and has a higher dose. This difference determines which method is chosen in pregnancy.
Panoramic X-ray during pregnancy
A panoramic X-ray provides information, especially in cases of impacted wisdom teeth, suspected widespread infection or problems involving more than one tooth. When considered necessary during pregnancy, it can be taken with protective measures. However, if the problem involves a single tooth, dentists generally prefer a periapical film that shows a smaller area.
Dental tomography
Tomography is used in procedures that need detailed three-dimensional information, such as implant planning or complex surgical cases. Because such procedures are generally considered elective in pregnancy, tomography is often planned for after birth. If there is an urgent and special need, the decision is made together by your obstetrician and your dentist.
If you are curious about the role of X-rays in situations requiring tooth extraction during pregnancy, you can look at our article on tooth extraction during pregnancy. For questions about imaging such as X-rays and MRI during orthodontic treatment, our article on braces with MRI and X-rays may give you an idea. Orthodontic treatment in pregnancy, on the other hand, is a separate evaluation; the details are in the article on braces and clear aligners during pregnancy.
Can treatment be done without an X-ray?
In some cases yes; an X-ray is not mandatory for every procedure, and the dentist may be content with a clinical exam. For procedures such as a superficial cavity, gum inflammation or tartar cleaning, imaging is often not needed. On the other hand, in situations such as an infection at the root tip, a fractured root or a suspected impacted tooth, it becomes hard to make the right decision without an X-ray. In such a case, avoiding the X-ray can lead to a delay in diagnosis and progression of the infection, which is an undesirable picture in pregnancy. Your dentist will explain why imaging is needed; do not hesitate to ask every question that crosses your mind before the exposure.
Can a dental X-ray be taken while breastfeeding?
Yes, a dental X-ray can be taken while breastfeeding, and there is no need to pause breastfeeding. X-rays do not accumulate in the body, do not pass into breast milk and leave no radiation in the body after the exposure. This is true for most medical X-rays as well as dental ones.
In the breastfeeding period, additional precautions may be needed only for special examinations in which a radioactive substance is given, such as some nuclear medicine tests; the X-rays and tomography used in dentistry are not within this scope. For breastfeeding mothers, most dental treatments, including local anesthesia, can be planned comfortably. Still, it is a good habit to tell your dentist about the medications you take and that you are breastfeeding.
Exam and imaging decision in Ankara
If you have a problem such as a toothache, swelling or a broken tooth during pregnancy, your hesitation about X-rays should not delay your seeing a dentist. At our polyclinic in Park Oran Ofis in Çankaya, a clinical exam comes first; imaging is planned only if it is considered necessary, with protective measures and with an explanation to you. To make an appointment, you can reach us through our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
I had a dental film taken without knowing I was pregnant. What should I do?
A dental X-ray is directed at the mouth area, and the dose reaching the uterus is negligible; according to generally accepted information, this situation most likely does not call for concern. Still, if you do not feel at ease, talk to your obstetrician and tell them what type of X-ray was taken.
Can a panoramic X-ray be taken during pregnancy?
When considered necessary, it can be taken with a lead apron and thyroid collar. If the problem is limited to a single tooth, dentists generally prefer a single film that shows a smaller area. The decision is made at the exam.
Is the lead apron really necessary?
The dose reaching the uterus in a dental X-ray is already very low; even so, using a lead apron and especially a thyroid collar in pregnancy is a recommended additional precaution. It both puts the expectant mother's mind at ease and reduces the dose even further.
Do I need to pump and discard my milk after a dental X-ray while breastfeeding?
No. X-rays do not accumulate in the body and do not pass into breast milk. You can continue breastfeeding as usual after a dental X-ray.
