According to the American Dental Association, dental x-rays while pregnant are safe as long as the proper procedures are followed. Dental assistants may place a shield-like vest around your chest, stomach, and reproductive organs to protect from radiation penetration.
In general, it is safe for you to get a dental x-ray at any point during your pregnancy. However, if you need dental work done, then it is best for you to get the work done during the second trimester.
Limit dental X-rays and treatment in the 2nd trimester to protect your baby. Postpone non-emergency procedures until after the pregnancy. For dental emergencies like a dislodged tooth or gum injury, seek dental help immediately, but procedures like teeth whitening and certain orthodontic treatments can wait.
The second trimester is slightly less sensitive. In most dental offices, especially those using digital radiography or F speed film, the radiation dose to the patient is very low. However, we still recommend that there should be very little exposure to pregnant women and the developing fetus.
No single X-ray produces enough radiation exposure to harm a developing fetus, according to the American College of Radiology. And they are
safe through all three trimesters. Whether or not you’re due for an X-ray, it’s important to make a trip to your dentist during pregnancy. There may be a link between untreated gum disease and pre-term births.The amount of radiation used in a dental X-ray is very low and, according to both the American Dental Association and the American Pregnancy Association, is
not enough to cause any harm to a pregnant woman or her baby.
