[Mommy0305]

I had a dentist appointment today. I'm either 10 or 11 DPO and got a - hpt this morning so I went ahead and let the dentist take x-rays.

Then I started thinking about it later, I only have 9 or 10 day LP, I had an 11 day LP one time since my D&C and I usually have spotting a couple days before AF, which hasn't happened this time. Do you think I might have tested too early? Did I make a mistake getting the xrays done?

I know I'm probably just being silly and since I tested and got a - that means I'm not pregnant. I wish I never went to the dentist and just rescheduled for another time.

[*SamF*]

I wouldn't worry about it. They usually say that that level of x-ray especially since it's on your head, is only harmful if you are exposed to a lot of it.
Did they not put the lead shawl thing on you?

[tobynscarlett]

No, honey you're not being silly to think about things like that. The reality is that the dental x-rays have very low radiation and usually they will cover your abdomen with a lead apron to minimize your exposure. They are also very concentrated and are aimed directly at your teeth. I have been told (don't know if its true) that the 3d ultrasounds are equal to about 10 x-rays so there is very little risk to you from having your dental exam. There is a risk however to not taking care of your oral health- oral infections can cause several problems. Besides, many years ago they used to take x-rays of pregnant women as tools to diagnose a pregnancy before ultrasound! I think you are probably pretty safe. Try not to worry too much

[tobynscarlett]

No, honey you're not being silly to think about things like that. The reality is that the dental x-rays have very low radiation and usually they will cover your abdomen with a lead apron to minimize your exposure. They are also very concentrated and are aimed directly at your teeth. I have been told (don't know if its true) that the 3d ultrasounds are equal to about 10 x-rays so there is very little risk to you from having your dental exam. There is a risk however to not taking care of your oral health- oral infections can cause several problems. Besides, many years ago they used to take x-rays of pregnant women as tools to diagnose a pregnancy before ultrasound! I think you are probably pretty safe. Try not to worry too much

[..Jessica..]

I don't think you're being silly either! It's a legitimate reason to be worried, however..here's what I found for you, and it agrees completely with the other ladies!

Most diagnostic X-rays (dental X-rays, for example) do not expose the fetus to high enough levels of radiation to cause a problem. While fetal exposure over 10 rads (the unit of measurement for absorbed radiation) has been shown to increase the risks for learning disabilities and eye abnormalities, you needn't worry. It's rare for a diagnostic X-ray to exceed 5 rads.

[..Jessica..]

I don't think you're being silly either! It's a legitimate reason to be worried, however..here's what I found for you, and it agrees completely with the other ladies!

Most diagnostic X-rays (dental X-rays, for example) do not expose the fetus to high enough levels of radiation to cause a problem. While fetal exposure over 10 rads (the unit of measurement for absorbed radiation) has been shown to increase the risks for learning disabilities and eye abnormalities, you needn't worry. It's rare for a diagnostic X-ray to exceed 5 rads.