Are dental x-rays safe during pregnancy?

What does the evidence say about dental x-rays during pregnancy?

1. A dental bitewing x-ray delivers about 0.005 mSv of radiation and a panoramic image about 0.026 mSv, both far below the levels that have been studied for any link to fetal risk. 1
2. Radiation doses under 50 mGy haven't been linked to a higher chance of birth defects, and the doses associated with measurable fetal harm start around 100 to 150 mGy, thousands of times higher than a dental x-ray delivers. 2
3. A single bitewing x-ray exposes the fetus to less radiation than the body absorbs naturally in one day of ordinary background radiation, and the American Dental Association affirms that dental radiographs are appropriate at any trimester. 3
4. Researchers who measured actual fetal dose from dental x-rays found it stays under 1 percent of the annual radiation dose limit set for the general public, whether or not a lead apron is used. 4
5. Because the fetal dose is already so low, the same research team concluded that pregnancy is never a reason to avoid or delay a dental x-ray your dentist says you need, and called added lead shielding unnecessary for fetal protection. 4

Is dental x-rays safe in each trimester?

• First trimester. If a cavity or infection needs to be checked in the first trimester, a bitewing or periapical x-ray is still appropriate. Delaying needed dental imaging out of pregnancy worry mainly risks letting a manageable problem get worse.
• Second trimester. Routine x-rays scheduled as part of a normal cleaning or checkup don't need to be pushed to a later date. The radiation dose involved is the same no matter which trimester you're in.
• Third trimester. The radiation math doesn't change late in pregnancy either: a bitewing or panoramic image is still a tiny fraction of the dose where research has looked for fetal risk. If a dental problem is causing pain or won't wait, let your dental team and prenatal provider know so imaging and dental care aren't delayed close to delivery.

Fetal radiation dose by dental imaging type