Unlike medical X-rays, dental X-rays use the smallest amount of radiation possible. Except in the case of a dental emergency, it is advised that pregnant women refrain from undergoing dental X-rays to ensure that the foetus is protected. Dental X-rays are, however, considered safe for the general public. Precautions such as a leaded jacket is used to shield parts of the body from the radiation. Dentists will take a single X-ray as opposed to many, in order to reduce radiation exposure even further. The radiation from a dental X-ray is no more in amount than that which you would experience if you were travelling in an airplane for approximately two hours.
