Dental x-ray - please talk me down

[AyeAyeFishyPie]

I went to the dentist ysterday, he did an x-ray (they do it every 2 years). It didn’t even occur to me to think I shouldn’t have had it. I have now read the ‘dos and don’ts’ list and am freaking out. there isn’t anything I can do :-( I’m 11 weeks pregnant.

You'll be absolutely fine, it's a one off and a very small xray in comparison to what you could have. Some people don't even know they're pregnant at 11 weeks and are exposed to all sorts. Its only prolonged exposure that will put your baby at risk so try not to worry.

I’m slightly surprised they didn’t ask you directly and you didn’t fill in a medical history form with this info on it. But anyway, the radiation is about the same as a flight to Spain would get you. Very minimal amount OP. Don’t fret.

You get more radiation from flying to New York than you would for a Dental X-ray so I wouldn't worry. It's only repeated exposure that would cause a real issue. Especially at 11 weeks, you're so almost past the crucial stage by then. Don't panic. It'll be fine!

Mrs Morton they were running early so I didn’t have time to fill in the whole form, I hadn’t got to the pregnancy question so it hadn’t crossed my mind about it, they didn’t ask.

The risk is very very low with dental X-rays because the dose is so low, and also the X-ray beam is not going through or towards your tummy.
That said, I would ring your dentist in the morning and mention it so they know to take a proper medical history in future....

Such low risk. I told mine I was pregnant and he said 'We can still do the xrays if you want'. I said I wasn't fussed and he said it was fine x

I work in radiation protection and would have absolutely no concerns about this - the dose is very low and the dose to the foetus will be next to nothing - don't give it a second thought.

I'd be more concerned about dentists doing routine x-rays every 2 years without specific clinical justification but that's another story!

It's very low risk. Mine were delayed as they weren't essential but the dentist said there wasn't any risk anyway, they probably just delayed them to cover their own backs.

I did have my ankle x-rayed while pregnant though, the technician gave me a lead apron but also said it was just for my peace of mind as my foot was far away enough from my stomach for it to be safe. Your mouth is pretty far away from a baby at 11 weeks as well.

@Always - check out the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners selection criteria in Dental radiography- bitewing radiographs should be taken 2 yearly on low caries risk adults, so it’s fine.
2 X-rays is equal to 8 hours background radiation so a low risk op.

I had x-rays at the dentist a few weeks ago to check up on some errant wisdom teeth. The dentist asked if I could be pregnant but did say that it didn't matter if I was because the x-ray was low dose and not harmful.

I've had a dental x-ray when I was pregnant. All fine. But you should have just mentioned you're pregnant (if you're in the UK, for no reason other than it would have been free).

Don't worry. It will be fine. It's such a low dose you would get more on a short haul flight.

Phew, thanks everyone. Mind I did give them my form (haven't sent off for the proper exemption yet) so I got it for free but that was with the receptionist so the message didn't get through.