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20 July 2008

Answer to Question #2566 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Pregnancy and Radiation — Conception after exposures

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

I am wanting to start trying for a baby next month. I had a dental x ray yesterday, without a lead shield. Should I wait longer before trying to conceive?

Thank you for sending your question about dental x-ray exposure and concern for conceiving a baby. There is no reason for concern because dental x-ray exposure does not expose the ovaries to any significant dose, even without a lead apron. Please see the answers to similar questions already available in our Ask The Experts feature. Choose the category "Exposures not directly to embryo/fetus." There are several answers there dealing with dental x rays. You may also want to look in the category "Conception after exposures" but remember these answers relate to questions about x rays directly to the abdominal area with a higher dose than that from dental x rays

I hope this helps.

Keith Dinger, CHP

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.