How much radiation is at the dental office at Cortez Family Dentistry?

Many patients at Cortez Family Dentistry ask us, ” How much radiation am I being exposed to when I receive an x-ray?”  Radiation is measured in Sieverts.  In the medical profession, especially at the dental office, we measure in micro Sieverts.  Dr. Walker and the Hygiene staff would like to assure you that the exposure amounts are minimal.  Our new 3D Scanner emits 36 micro Sieverts and the periodic x-rays you receive during your periodic visits for your professional cleaning emit about 0.2 micro Sieverts.

At the hospital, you will be exposed to larger numbers – anywhere from 50 to 3,000 micro Sieverts for a chest x-ray or a mammogram.  If you smoke 1.5 packs of cigarettes a day, you will be exposed to 3,600 micro Sieverts over the year.  A flight across the country will expose you to 40 micro Sieverts. Just living in Colorado, you probably are exposed to at least 100 micro Sieverts because of the high elevations.  The office of Cortez Family Dentistry is located at about 6200 feet.

X-ray technology is a useful way for the staff at Cortez Family Dentistry to diagnose and monitor your oral health.  The technology allows the dentist and the hygienist to see things below the surface and things you can’t see with the naked eye. As you can see, the negative impacts of receiving an x-ray at the office is very minimal.  We look forward to seeing you at your next visit to the dentist office.

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