Often development dental diseases observed during pregnancy. The problem is associated with changes in hormonal levels and the body’s loss of a significant proportion of vitamins, as well as calcium. The need for this is not uncommon. In some cases, proper treatment cannot be done without scanning.
Since radiography is based on the use of a certain dose radiation exposure, the study cannot be considered completely safe. Of course, it is better to avoid inspection, but there are times when it is absolutely necessary.
It is also worth considering the equipment. There are two types of X-ray equipment:
- Soviet-style devices. Old devices emit radiation, which is quite dangerous for pregnancy, especially in the early stages. For this reason, diagnosis was strictly prohibited.
- Visiograph. Dental radiovisiograph with low radiation dose. The radiation dose of the device is 0.01-0.03 mSV, which is not dangerous to the fetus even after several consecutive examinations.
Conclusion: when a doctor prescribes an x-ray, avoid old-style equipment, instead contact a specialized diagnostic center, which has a visiograph in its arsenal.
Orthopantomograph
Features of diagnostics
Dental X-rays during pregnancy are prescribed in cases where it is impossible to carry out blind treatment. A thorough study of the bone structure of the tooth and adjacent tissues will allow us to determine the exact treatment tactics, and most importantly, effective ones. The specialist will prescribe the following procedures:
- Panoramic (orthopantomogram) image. Designed for maximum visualization of the dental system. It has minimal radiation exposure and the greatest information content.
- Extraoral. A standard X-ray unit is used. Prescribed for suspected cystic formations and pathology of periodontal tissues.
- Intraoral. It is used for photographic recording of a pathological area with its exact localization.
A specific type of study is selected individually, depending on the type of disease.
Precautionary measures
Before undergoing the diagnostic procedure, it is necessary to remove metal jewelry and products to avoid distorting the results. A pregnant woman is put on a special lead apron that covers the abdominal area and mammary glands.
Risks must be adequately assessed separate pathology and the need for x-ray examination. For example: with an inflammatory process of the periosteum, more harm will come from the disease than from scanning with modern equipment.
What are the contraindications?
When X-rays were practiced using Soviet-style equipment, pregnancy was a contraindication to diagnosis. Today, the availability of modern equipment makes it possible to conduct examinations. Some exceptions:
When can you do without an x-ray?
In some cases, x-rays are not necessary. Already during a visual examination, the doctor determines the disease and treatment tactics. Thus, with caries, it is possible to do without an x-ray; the affected areas are visible to the naked eye.
However, there are situations where diagnostics are extremely necessary and can affect the course of therapy:
- the need to seal canals located in such a way that there is high risk their perforations;
- the presence of a neoplasm on the gum surface;
- injury to the subgingival zone;
- the doctor suspects the presence of an inflammatory process of soft tissues;
- with pathology of wisdom tooth eruption.
Consequences of x-rays and when is it better to do it?
Often, patients tell the gynecologist that they had a dental x-ray and did not know that they were pregnant. A number of studies have shown that radiation exposure can negatively affect fetal development in the first trimester. However, only 5% of patients showed unfavorable changes after scanning. In rare cases, radiation leads to:
- pathologies of the circulatory system;
- disruption of the structure of the bronchi;
- pathologies of the development of the skull and brain;
- congenital diseases of the digestive tract.
X-rays pose a great danger in the early stages of pregnancy, when the formation of organs and systems of the fetus occurs. The time for diagnosis is considered to be the second and third trimester, as well as for therapeutic manipulations.
Alternative research methods
Radiation exposure can be avoided. Today, magnetic resonance imaging is considered an alternative method. The main advantage is zero radiation exposure. MRI produces high-quality images of soft tissue that go beyond an X-ray or CT scan. However, the use of MRI is inappropriate for diagnosing bone structure. Maximum information content is achieved using radiography.
Scanning on modern digital devices requires a minimum radiation dose of 0.03 mSV. This allows the procedure to be prescribed not only for children. younger age, but also for patients during pregnancy. Minimal radiation does not eliminate the need preliminary consultation with a gynecologist.
Video: X-ray during hidden pregnancy
What is a visiograph and how does it differ from an x-ray?
This one of the frequently asked questions is akin to the difference between a car and a traffic light... It seems that both concepts have some kind of connection, but it is somehow difficult to compare them. It's the same here. A radiovisiograph is a system that receives x-ray radiation, transforms it into digital form and displays the image on a computer screen. Roentgen (who is Wilhelm Conrad) is a long-dead German physicist who gained worldwide fame for his discovery of short-wavelength rays with enormous penetrating power. The physicist himself called these rays X-rays (in English language today they are called exactly that - X-ray), but now we often call them X-rays, and in everyday life simply “X-rays”. The unit of radiation power was also called the x-ray. Now it is clear that a visiograph and an x-ray are completely different things. If we compare the visiograph with anything, it is with x-ray film, which it is universally replacing from all areas of medicine.
Is it true that a visiograph is safer than a regular film photograph?
When asked about such a comparison, they mean the radiation exposure that the patient receives when using different methods. In this sense, indeed, a visiograph is preferable, since its sensor is much more sensitive than the best film. Therefore, to obtain a high-quality image using a visiograph, much shorter shutter speeds are needed. To take a picture on film, the shutter speed is 0.5-1.2 seconds. To obtain the same image using a visiograph sensor – 0.05-0.3 sec. Those. 10 times shorter. As a result, the radiation exposure received by the patient when using a visiograph is reduced to an insignificant minimum.
How many pictures can you take at one time? And in general, isn’t it harmful when treating a large number of teeth that you have to take a lot of X-rays?
This is the most pressing question asked about x-rays. Either as an echo of Chernobyl, or because of life safety lessons that come to mind, but in our society there is a very strong phobia for everything that is even remotely connected in our heads with radiation. Any extra photo often raises questions about radiation sickness, or “will I glow in the dark?” Therefore, I will try to explain in more detail here. First from the point of view of naked science.
To measure the amount of radiant energy applied to living tissue, various units are used - joule per kilogram, gray, rem, sievert, etc. In medicine, for x-ray procedures, the dose received by the entire body during one procedure is usually assessed - the effective equivalent dose, measured in sieverts. According to , when carrying out preventive medical x-ray procedures and scientific research this dose should not exceed 1000 μSv (microsievert) per year. Moreover, here we are talking specifically about preventive studies, and not about therapeutic ones, where this bar is much higher. What is 1000 µSv? Is it a lot or a little? Remembering the famous cartoon, the answer is simple - depending on what you measure it in. 1000 μSv is approximately:
- 500 targeted images (2-3 μSv) obtained using a radiovisiograph
- 100 of the same images, but using good X-ray film (10-15 µSv)
- 80 digital * (13-17 µSv)
- 40 film orthopantomograms (25-30 µSv)
- 20 * (45-60 µSv)
So, as you can see, even if we take 1 image on a visiograph every day throughout the year, in addition to a couple of 3D computed tomograms per year, and the same number of orthopantomograms, then even in this case we will not go beyond the limits of the safe permitted doses There is only one conclusion - there is no need to be afraid of receiving a significant dose during dental procedures. With all the desire to go beyond acceptable values Not sure it's going to happen. To make it clear, below are the doses required to produce any serious health effects:
- 750,000 µSv - short-term minor change in blood composition
- 1,000,000 µSv - mild degree radiation sickness
- 4,500,000 μSv - severe radiation sickness (50% of those exposed die)
- A dose of about 7,000,000 μSv is considered absolutely lethal
All these figures are incomparable in their significance with the doses we receive in everyday life. So, even if, for some reason, several pictures are taken in a row at once, and the day before you were already “exposed” by doing an orthopantomogram, you don’t need to panic and run to the store to buy a Geiger counter or type “the first symptoms of radiation sickness” into an Internet search engine. . To calm yourself down, it’s better to “detoxify” with a glass of red wine. There will be no point in this, but the mood will immediately improve.
Is it possible to do x-rays for pregnant women?
I will not expand on the topic that it would be better to prepare for pregnancy in advance, including “preparing” your own teeth at the dentist in advance. Yes, so as not to run away later acute pain and be killed by doubts whether this or that manipulation will harm the developing baby... Therefore, let’s leave the lyrics and look at naked facts and common sense. Without phobias, prejudices, speculations and myths. So, is it possible to do x-rays for pregnant women? Here's what they write to us about this in the documents ():
7.16. Pregnant women are scheduled for X-ray examination only if clinical indications. Studies should, if possible, be carried out in the second half of pregnancy, with the exception of cases when the issue of termination of pregnancy or the need for emergency or emergency care. If pregnancy is suspected, the question of the admissibility and necessity of an x-ray examination is decided based on the assumption that there is a pregnancy...
7.18. X-ray examinations of pregnant women are carried out using all possible means and methods of protection so that the dose received by the fetus does not exceed 1 millisievert for two months of undetected pregnancy. If the fetus receives a dose exceeding 100 mSv, the doctor is obliged to warn the patient about the possible consequences and recommend terminating the pregnancy."
In general, the conclusion from these two main points is simple and clear. In the first half of pregnancy, it is definitely not worth taking pictures, but in the second half - 1 mSv for a visiograph - this is practically without restrictions.
I would also like to add here that I have often encountered the militant obstinacy of this opinion: an X-ray at the dentist during pregnancy is an absolute evil. It’s better, they say, to screw up a tooth, to cure crooked canals... there are a lot of teeth, pregnancy is more important. Moreover, such sermons are given not only by lay patients who have little understanding of the essence of things, but also often by dentists themselves, who have forgotten their school physics course. To resolve this doubt, one must understand that the sources ionizing radiation are not only in medical offices. And you don’t have to live next to Chernobyl (and now Fukushima) to receive some doses from the environment around us every day. After all, every second we are affected by both natural sources (sun, water, earth) and man-made ones. And the doses received from them are much greater than those received from an x-ray of a tooth. For clarity, we can give one simple example. As you know from a school physics course, the sun emits electromagnetic energy in a wide range, not only in infrared (heat), visible (light), ultraviolet (tan), but also in x-rays and gamma radiation. Moreover, the higher you are from the surface of the earth, the more rarefied the atmosphere is and, therefore, the weaker the protection from sufficiently strong radiation from the sun. And after all, while “fighting” radiation at the dentist, the same people often calmly fly south to bask in the sun and eat fresh fruit. Moreover, during a 2-3 hour flight “for a healthy” climate, a person receives 20-30 μSv, i.e. the equivalent of approximately 10-15 images on a visiograph. In addition, 1.5-2 hours in front of a cathode ray monitor or TV gives the same dose as 1 picture... How many pregnant women, sitting at home, watching TV series, hanging out on the Internet, think about how many pictures they “took” while watched another program, and then discussed it with friends on the forum and social networks? Almost no one, because the average person does not associate all this with ionizing radiation, unlike an image in a doctor’s office.
And yet, dear expectant mothers, prepare for pregnancy in advance. For many people, visiting the dentist still remains stressful. And it’s not so much that anesthesia or x-rays can be harmful during this period, but what is important is your peace of mind and the absence of unnecessary worries (of which many already have more than enough during this period).
What is the best protection to use if you need to take a picture of a pregnant woman? Is it better if the doctor puts 2 protective aprons on me?
The number of aprons does not matter! See above . In contact radiography, the apron essentially protects not from direct radiation, but from secondary, that is, reflected. For X-rays human body- this is an optical medium, just like a glass cube for a flashlight beam. Point the beam of a flashlight at one of the faces of a large glass cube, and, regardless of the thickness and direction of the beam, the entire cube will be illuminated. It’s the same with a person - you can swaddle him completely in lead and shine only on his head - at least a little, but it will reach every heel. So, under two aprons with a good lead equivalent, it will simply be harder for a pregnant woman to breathe.
Is it possible to do x-rays for nursing mothers? And if possible, then what about feeding the child after the procedure?
Can. X-rays are not the same as radioactive waste. By itself, it does not accumulate in the biological environment. If you give a loaf of bread lethal dose, it will not mutate, will not get radiation sickness, and will not begin to “phonon.” X-rays differ from light rays only in wavelength and have a direct damaging effect only under certain conditions. If you shine a flashlight into a bucket of water and turn off the flashlight, the light won't stay in the bucket, right? The same is true in a protein-fat solution, which are many biological fluids(including breast milk) - radiation passes through, weakening in denser tissues. So, with such a load, which is necessary to work with a visiograph, the milk itself is unlikely to do anything. As a last resort, to reassure yourself, you can skip one regular feeding. Another thing is that the breast tissue itself during lactation is, of course, more susceptible to the harmful effects of radiation. But, again, we are talking about doses more powerful than necessary for digital radiography(of course, subject to all protective measures and without “shooting” 20 times anywhere).
P.S. Materials from articles and books by one of the most authoritative radiologists in Russian dentistry, D.V. Rogatskin, were used.
Any pregnant woman at some point may find herself in a situation where she will need one or another X-ray diagnostic method, for example, when visiting a dentist, if pneumonia or pulmonary tuberculosis is suspected, for a broken bone, and for many other reasons. The question immediately arises: will x-ray examination harm the unborn child, because maintaining his health is the most the main objective moms.
How does X-ray affect the fetus?
Let's first try to understand the difference between the body of an adult and a child, and then understand how X-ray radiation can affect both. X-rays - electromagnetic waves with high energy - have the property of penetrating through the least thick fabrics body, and remain denser, giving an image of their contours - this property has found wide application in modern radio and x-ray diagnostics.Passing through tissues whose cells are in a state of division, X-ray radiation damages them from the inside, breaking and destroying DNA chains - the main carrier of genetic information. X-rays partially ionize the water inside the cell, which leads to the formation huge amount free radicals (mainly H+ and HO–), extremely chemically active. They attack intracellular nucleic acids and proteins, literally tearing them apart. The result of this is the emergence of a non-viable or (worse) mutant cell - and the more of them, the higher the likelihood of developing anomalies.
In the fetal body, most cells are actively dividing (while in adults their percentage is much smaller), which causes the fetus to be highly sensitive to ionizing radiation.
X-rays have the most adverse effect on the tissues and organs of the fetus at a time when they are just developing. For example, in the first weeks of development, the formation of the nervous system begins - if the fetus is irradiated at this time, there is a high risk of developing persistent organic pathology of the nervous system - microcephaly, underdevelopment of certain brain structures - the cerebellum, hippocampus, cortex, which in the future can lead to impaired mental functions child, and in severe cases- to its non-viability.
At 5-6 weeks (during the formation of the adrenal glands), irradiation can provoke their underdevelopment or failure at a later age. At 4-8 weeks of pregnancy, when the formation and development of the heart occurs, ionizing radiation can lead to numerous defects of its valve apparatus or to defects of the very basis - the heart muscle. At 6-7 weeks - to disruption of formation thymus gland and severe immune deficiency. At 11-12 weeks - suppression of bone marrow functioning, development acute leukemia or severe anemia.
Thus, X-ray examination is most dangerous precisely during the formation of the main tissues and organs - in the first trimester of pregnancy. In the future, the danger of this procedure decreases - however, even then pathologies from the blood system cannot be ruled out (the most common of them is anemia) and gastrointestinal tract child (persistent stool disorder, difficult to treat).
Is it possible to take x-rays during pregnancy?
There is no clear answer to this question. X-ray examination is indicated in case of emergency situations, when without it there is a possibility severe complications or even the death of the mother is extremely high. In addition, in case of fractures of the bones of the extremities, for example, X-ray diagnostics are carried out simultaneously with careful shielding (application of special protective covers, aprons, linings on the pelvis, abdomen and chest).It should be noted that for diagnosing diseases in pregnant women, simple radiography is preferable; CT scan Due to higher radiation doses, radioisotope methods should not be used here in principle, especially since there is a much safer alternative - ultrasound.
The influence of x-rays on the development of pregnancy
Although modern X-ray diagnostic devices are much safer than their counterparts used several decades ago, when X-raying the abdomen and pelvic organs of a pregnant woman, the fetus receives a certain dose of radiation, which, of course, affects its further development. The greater the radiation exposure to the fetus, the higher the likelihood that the pregnancy will be terminated within the first few hours after the procedure. However, in the early stages (even before the formation of organs), the so-called “all or nothing” rule applies - the fetus either dies from a massive dose of radiation or continues its further development.How often can an x-ray be taken during pregnancy?
The most ideal option is to avoid any radiation exposure and not undergo any X-ray examinations during pregnancy. However, it is not always possible to achieve this. There is a rule according to which the total radiation exposure to the fetus during pregnancy should not exceed 0.3 mSv, which approximately corresponds to a single examination of the lungs (x-ray). If the level of exposure of the fetus is much higher than this value (30 mSv or more - this situation may occur with repeated X-ray procedures, in particular - with repeated fluoroscopy of the intestines, bladder, etc.), doctors most often recommend terminating the pregnancy.However, you should not think that x-rays during pregnancy are extremely dangerous and unfavorable. Take this calmly - if possible, avoid exposure to ionizing radiation during pregnancy; if X-ray diagnostic procedures are vital - use all available protective measures - this will minimize the harmful effects of radiation on both you and your child.
Is it possible to take dental x-rays during pregnancy?
To the question: “Is it possible to take dental x-rays during pregnancy?”, dentists answer: “It is possible, but it is not advisable in the first trimester.” If the doctor has the opportunity to treat a tooth without taking a picture, he will definitely do it. However, in some cases, an x-ray is required, for example, in case of a tooth root fracture, a gum (tooth) cyst, or during root canal treatment.How dangerous is dental x-ray for the fetus? Modern models of dental X-ray machines are characterized by minimal radiation exposure. For example, after taking an X-ray of a tooth, a woman receives a radiation dose equal to 0.02 millisieverts (mSv), while during an air flight over medium distances (2500 km) - 0.01 mSv. Thus, if a pregnant woman flies on vacation to the sea, she will receive the same dose of x-ray radiation as for a dental x-ray. In addition, when X-raying teeth, a very limited area is irradiated, and the abdomen and the fetus itself are reliably protected by a lead apron that does not transmit x-rays.
If there is an urgent need to obtain an image of a tooth, you can contact a clinic equipped with a visiograph. Compared to conventional X-ray machines, its radiation exposure is 10 times less and amounts to 0.002 mSv.
But still, in order to completely eliminate the pathological effect on the fetus, doctors recommend taking dental x-rays for pregnant women, starting from the second trimester. After 12 weeks of development, the fetus becomes less sensitive to x-ray radiation.
What are the dangers of x-rays during early pregnancy?
Indeed, X-rays are dangerous during early pregnancy, especially in the first 12 weeks, while all organs and tissues are developing. Long-term exposure to high doses of radiation over 1 mSv, can cause various abnormalities in fetal development.| Deadlines | Possible complications |
| 1-2 week | Stopping cell division and death of the embryo Ectopic pregnancy |
| 3-4 week | Pathological formation of extra-embryonic organs (chorion, amnion and yolk sac), which ensure the viability of the embryo, leads to termination of pregnancy in the early stages |
| 4-5 week | Failure in the formation of stem cells, which are the basis of all future tissues, can lead to significant developmental abnormalities Heart defects Thyroid development disorders Liver development abnormalities |
| 5-6 week | Developmental anomalies of the limbs Pathologies of the hematopoietic system (spleen and bone marrow) Organic disorders nervous system functioning Congenital diseases digestive organs Immunity disorders, frequent purulent infections when the thymus gland is damaged Disturbances in the formation of the gonads Endocrine pathologies associated with dysfunction of the pituitary gland |
| week 7 | Hematopoietic disorders (anemia) caused by liver damage Developmental abnormalities of the small intestine Significant metabolic disorders due to damage to the adrenal glands |
| 8 week | Anomalies in the development of the upper lip and upper jaw– “cleft lip”, “cleft palate” Pathologies of the development of joints and digital phalanges |
| Week 9 | Ovarian developmental disorders Damage to the bronchi |
| 10 week | Pathologies of dental development |
| 11 week | Heart and joint defects Violations skin sensitivity and sense of smell |
| 12 week | Weakening of the immune system due to damage to the thymus Stunted growth and slow metabolism are caused by structural abnormalities thyroid gland |
Let us hasten to reassure expectant mothers; the table provided is rather theoretical information. In fact, the likelihood of damage to the embryo during an x-ray examination is negligible, because during the diagnosis, the woman and fetus are exposed to short-term, low doses.
According to sanitary standards the dose received by the fetus should not exceed 1 mSv, at the same time when carrying out radiographs it amounts to:
- chest– 0.3 mSv;
- limbs – 0.01 mSv;
- nasal sinuses – 0.6 mSv;
- teeth – 0.02 mSv.
In addition, when X-raying the head or limbs, the radiation has virtually no effect on the mother’s abdomen. Reliable protection are an apron that protects the fetus from x-rays.
More dangerous are x-rays of the pelvic region, spine and intestines (6-8 mSv), fluoroscopy (over 3 mSv), and computed tomography (10 mSv). ) .
Taking these factors into account, it can be argued that x-rays performed out of urgent need are practically not dangerous to the fetus. Especially if protective equipment was used during the x-ray.
Is it possible to take x-rays when planning a pregnancy?
When planning a pregnancy, X-rays cannot damage the egg and cause the development of abnormalities in the unborn child. The radiation dose received female body when x-rayed, it is considered safe. Therefore, even if there is a need for multiple studies, the eggs remain completely safe and a healthy fetus develops after fertilization.Doctors strongly recommend undergoing a medical examination (including x-rays or fluorography) at the planning stage in order to identify hidden pathologies that may manifest themselves during pregnancy. The fact is that a pregnant woman’s immunity decreases, which leads to an exacerbation of chronic diseases. Therefore, it is better to treat the disease during planning than to undergo examinations during pregnancy and take medications that can negatively affect the baby’s intrauterine development.
What can replace x-rays during pregnancy?
Doctors, if possible, try to avoid prescribing various diagnostic procedures expectant mothers, since their effects have not been fully studied. However, there are situations when the disease and the experiences associated with it can be much more dangerous for the fetus than examination and treatment. In these cases, doctors try to replace x-rays during pregnancy with safer procedures.
More dangerous for a pregnant woman and her unborn child such diagnostic studies:
- computed tomogram;
- fluorography;
- fluoroscopy;
- isotope scanning.
The entire period of waiting for the baby to be born is a responsible and exciting time. Every action of the expectant mother should be performed with an eye on her position. This applies to your daily routine, exercise, and nutrition. Medical interventions, reception medicines, as well as various types diagnostic examinations also were no exception.
One of the most common diagnostic methods, which causes a considerable amount of controversy regarding its harmlessness, is x-ray examination. You can’t do without it in many cases dental practice. So is it possible or not to do an x-ray during pregnancy and how safe is it? this procedure for a baby that a woman is carrying?
X-ray and pregnancy
What is an X-ray examination? During the procedure, the examined area is illuminated with X-rays and violations of the tissue structure and bone position are determined. The obtained data is recorded on film. In this way, an X-ray is obtained that displays what is inaccessible to the human eye during visual inspection.
But X-rays also have a downside. X-ray radiation negatively affects cells, destroying them from the inside. Cells that are in the process of dividing are especially susceptible to this effect - the latter can mutate or stop dividing altogether. During pregnancy, active growth and development of tiny life occurs in the mother's womb, cell division occurs constantly. How to conduct research in this case?
X-ray in the first weeks of pregnancy
1st trimester - the time when birth and formation new person. This is the most responsible and important period: nervous system The crumbs are formed already from the 1st week, in the period from the 4th to the 8th week the heart, adrenal glands and thymus gland are formed, in the 11th week - the bone marrow. Therefore, interference in the natural development of a tiny person can have the most negative consequences at the genetic level, which can manifest themselves after the birth of the baby. Doctors' opinion in this case The only thing is that it is better to exclude x-rays in the early stages of pregnancy. The high probability of mutations at the cellular level can lead to serious pathologies in the future. The exceptions are emergency situations when the lack of intervention may have more severe consequences than harm from exposure to x-rays. The restriction applies to all types of radiation, including dental x-rays.
However, do not despair if the study was carried out before or immediately after a missed period. In most cases, when taking x-rays during pregnancy early dates the “all or nothing” rule works - either the baby’s development continues safely and the pregnancy proceeds as usual, or the fetus freezes.
X-ray in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy
Pregnancy develops, and mommy and her baby move into the 2nd, and then into the 3rd trimester. During this period, the baby’s body systems grow and improve. If an x-ray is still necessary, but in the first trimester it was decided to postpone it, it’s time to return to this issue.
There is no need to talk about absolute safety, but now x-rays during pregnancy are less dangerous and the likelihood negative consequences decreases. To prevent the baby from receiving harmful radiation during the examination, the woman’s stomach is covered with a lead apron. Do not be shy and silently follow doctors’ instructions.
It would be better if the woman asks the radiologist about the radiation dose she will receive during the X-ray. By choosing a clinic with modern equipment, you will receive little radiation exposure and high-quality images.
Dental treatment: X-rays during pregnancy
To treat or not to treat
Regarding dental health and overall oral cavity, then each person should keep this issue under constant control. A diseased tooth not only causes discomfort, but also becomes a source of infection, leading to the development of sepsis, which is extremely undesirable for a pregnant woman. As a result of an X-ray during pregnancy, the consequences will be much less fatal. If you dream of having a new family member, then a visit to the dentist should be made even before you see the 2 coveted stripes, so that with the onset of pregnancy you do not expose your body to unnecessary influences and interventions.
Pregnancy and dental x-ray
Before your dental image is taken, the radiologist will wear a protective apron, which will minimize the exposure of other parts of your body to harmful rays. Despite this, many women “in a special situation” are worried about whether it is possible to do a dental x-ray during pregnancy and how safe it will be for the baby?
The radiation dose that a woman receives when she takes a dental photograph using an X-ray machine is 0.02 mSv. Exposure of no more than 1 mSv over 2 months can be considered relatively benign. If possible, it is better to give preference to a visiograph. A modern device will irradiate an exclusively diseased tooth with a narrow beam and with a lower intensity - 0.002 units of measurement (mSv). Therefore, if an X-ray of a tooth during pregnancy is necessary for treatment, you should not categorically refuse it, especially since there are relatively safe ways perform this manipulation.
X-ray of the torso and limbs during pregnancy
The closer the examined area is to the organs reproductive system, the more the latter are exposed. Therefore, studies with minimal risk include x-rays of the tooth, nose, and fingers. In second place are irradiations of the extremities, chest and cervical spine, lungs. And the most dangerous are transilluminations lumbar region spine, as well as internal organs located in the abdominal cavity.
An X-ray of the lungs during pregnancy is a necessary measure, which is resorted to when a woman is suspected of having pneumonia. In this case, the consequences of refusing the examination can be sad. For women “in a special situation,” examinations of the second and third groups are carried out exclusively on vital signs and in cases where there is no alternative to this diagnostic method.
Pregnancy planning and x-rays
Surveys and preventive examinations often include an x-ray examination. In addition, a sudden toothache may also be followed by a dental x-ray. What should one do in such cases who is planning a baby? How dangerous is x-ray when planning pregnancy?
In this case, the examination does not pose any danger as such, because there is no pregnancy yet. But it can happen, and no one will say for sure what effect the X-rays had on the egg, or whether there was any effect at all. To avoid unnecessary worry and anxiety, it is recommended to skip the cycle in which the woman was exposed to radiation. As for future dads, this period increases to three months. This is due to the sperm renewal period – 72 days. If irradiation does occur, and pregnancy occurs after the x-ray, it is better for the woman to consult a doctor for detailed advice. Tell your doctor about the test being performed and the amount of radiation you were exposed to so that the doctor can assess the extent of your possible risks and tell about it to the expectant mother. During an X-ray of a tooth, there is virtually no impact on other organs and systems. If during this period a new person settled in the womb of a woman, then the probability negative influence on him is minimal.
Rules for conducting x-ray examinations during pregnancy
Every woman of reproductive age should know a few important rules when taking an x-ray:
- When performing an examination in mandatory Lead pads (or apron) must be worn or a protective shield must be used. This precaution will “hide” other organs from electromagnetic waves.
- When exposed to a dose of 100 mSv or more during an X-ray during pregnancy, it is necessary to warn the woman about the possible serious pathologies on the part of the child and consider the advisability of terminating the pregnancy.
- If a woman is in the planning stage of pregnancy and there is a possibility that the latter has occurred, one should start from the fact that conception has occurred.
- When going for an x-ray, always warn the doctor and radiologist that you are “in a position.”
- Try to use alternative ways diagnostics
So, is it possible to take x-rays during pregnancy? Yes. Is this procedure harmless and safe? No. Take care of your health and undergo timely treatment so that the weeks of waiting for your baby will bring you nothing but joy.
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