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Answer to Question #2118 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Pregnancy and Radiation — Exposures not directly to embryo/fetus

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Q
I am pregnant, in the sixth month. I have deep caries in several places in my teeth so I went to my dentist. After three dental x rays and a local anesthesia he did a root canal. Now there is no pain. The problem is that the assistant did not give me an apron during the x ray. I am very stressed and wonder whether to terminate my pregnancy. What is the risk?
A
The level of exposure from scatter x rays from dental x rays is too low to harm the embryo or fetus at any stage of pregnancy. Your risk for reproductive problems are the same as for any other healthy pregnant women, 3% for birth defects and 15% for miscarriage.

It was important that your doctor and dentist took care of your dental problems.

Robert Brent, MD, PhD, DSc
Answer posted on 9 April 2003. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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