Radiation risk for dental patients
This resource explains the broad levels of risk for common x-ray examinations and isotope scans for dental patients.
Broad levels of risk for common x-ray examinations and isotope scans
| X-ray examination (Nuclear medicine or isotope scan) | Equivalent period of natural background radiation | Lifetime additional risk of cancer per examination* |
|---|---|---|
| Chest / teeth / arms and legs / hands and feet | A few days | Negligible risk: less than 1 in 1,000,000 |
| Skull / head / neck | A few weeks | Minimal risk: 1 in 1,000,000 to 1 in 100,000 |
| Breast (mammography) / hip / spine / abdomen / pelvis / CT scan of head / lung isotope scan / kidney isotope scan | A few months to a year | Very low risk: 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 10,000 |
| Kidneys and bladder (IVU) / stomach - barium meal / colon - barium enema / CT scan of chest / CT scan of abdomen / bone isotope scan | A few years | Low risk: 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 1,000 |
* These risk levels represent very small additions to the 1 in 3 chances we all have of getting cancer
If you would like further information, please speak to one of our Dental Clinicians or visit the gov.uk website.
Request an alternative format
The Trust provide resources in alternative formats, including language translations, large print, braille, easy-read format or on audio tape. Please contact the Communications and Engagement Team at scftcommunications@nhs.net if you require this resource in another format.
Share this page via:
