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 Roy Pitkin, M.D., is a professor of obstetrics and
gynecology and is the former chair of the ob/gyn
department at the University of California, Los
Angeles School of Medicine. He is a frequent advisor
to national health agencies on women's health issues and has
received numerous international honors for this work.
Q: How safe are dental X-rays during pregnancy?
A: It's not clear whether dental X-rays are safe to get during
pregnancy. Since no one knows what level of radiation is safe, or how much (if any) risk to your unborn baby comes with a given dose, the most prudent approach is to postpone elective X-rays (i.e., those for which there is no specific indication) until after your baby's birth.
However, if there is an acute problem and dental X-rays are important in making a diagnosis and deciding proper treatment, then they should be done because of their importance in promoting a woman's overall health. To help reduce the amount of radiation your body receives, the technician will cover your stomach with a lead apron, a standard practice for anyone receiving X-rays.
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