How Harmful Are Dental X-rays and CT Scans?

Straight Facts for Patients in Abu Dhabi

At TRUE SMILE Dental Centre — one of the best dental clinics in Abu Dhabi — we often hear the same questions:

– Is it safe to have another X-ray?
– What about CBCT scans?
– Are dental X-rays safe for kids?

Let’s go through the facts, backed by international research and real-life comparisons.

Dental X-ray vs. Natural Radiation in Abu Dhabi

How much radiation do you actually get from dental imaging? Let’s compare:

  • One dental X-ray (periapical) ≈ 0.005 mSv
  • One sunny day in Abu Dhabi ≈ 0.007–0.01 mSv
  • One week living in Abu Dhabi ≈ 0.07 mSv
  • Eating a banana ≈ 0.0001 mSv
  • Flight from Abu Dhabi to Milan ≈ 0.03–0.05 mSv
  • One full-jaw CBCT scan ≈ 0.05–0.2 mSv

Sources: UNSCEAR 2000, ICRP 103, AAPM Report 177, ADA Guidelines

Even if you’ve never had an X-ray, you’re still exposed to natural background radiation every day — especially in sunny, high-altitude places like Abu Dhabi.

So yes — a dental X-ray is not only safe, but much less exposure than a week under the UAE sun.

Is a Dental CT Scan (CBCT) Safe?

Yes — absolutely, when done on modern equipment by trained clinicians.

At TRUE SMILE, we use low-dose CBCT machines and limit the scanned area to what’s medically necessary. We follow strict protocols to keep exposure minimal and results clinically valuable.

We usually recommend CBCT for:

  • Implant planning
  • Wisdom tooth extraction
  • Jaw joint pain
  • Orthodontics
  • Diagnosing unclear infections

Diagnocat AI = Smarter, Safer Imaging

At TRUE SMILE, we enhance every scan with Diagnocat — a powerful dental AI system trained on tens of thousands of cases.

It helps our doctors:

  • Spot early cavities
  • Identify bone loss, cysts, or inflammation
  • Review root canals
  • Avoid diagnostic errors
  • Plan better treatments

It’s not about replacing doctors. It’s about supporting them with advanced digital insight.

Is Dental Imaging Safe for Children?

Yes — but only when necessary and done carefully.

At TRUE SMILE, we use:

  • Pediatric scan settings with ultra-low dose
  • Protective shields for thyroid and torso
  • Very limited field of view
  • Scans only when truly needed

And of course, we explain everything to parents before proceeding.

Why Patients in Abu Dhabi Trust TRUE SMILE for Dental Imaging

  • State-of-the-art digital and CBCT machines
  • Diagnocat AI for enhanced diagnostics
  • Clear, honest communication from our doctors
  • International safety protocols
  • Ethical care for children and adults

That’s why we’re ranked among the best dental clinics in Abu Dhabi — not just for treatment, but for how we diagnose before it starts.

Final Thoughts

A dental X-ray is not something to be afraid of.
A CBCT scan isn’t something to avoid when it’s needed.

When done correctly, these tools protect you. They allow your dentist to see clearly, treat precisely, and avoid unnecessary procedures.

At TRUE SMILE Dental Centre in Abu Dhabi, we do imaging the way it should be done:
Safely. Intelligently. And with your health in mind.

Our doctors

We’ve assembled an international team of dental experts who use cutting-edge technology — from 3D diagnostics to anti-stress dentistry with nitrous oxide.
Dr. Natalia Lola
Specialist Orthodontist, CEO
  • ENGLISH
  • GREEK
  • RUSSIAN
Dr. Victor Karabushin
Oral Surgeon & Implantologist
  • ENGLISH
  • RUSSIAN
Dr. Mustafa Sarikahya
Endodontics Specialist
  • ENGLISH
  • ARABIC
  • TURKISH
Dr. Ramona Kleinschmidt Do Valle
General Dentist
  • ENGLISH
  • ITALIAN
  • PORTUGUESE
Dr. Faten Souki El Jurdi
General Dentist
  • ENGLISH
  • ARABIC
  • SPANISH
Dr. Tina Kumar
Specialist Endodontist
  • ENGLISH
  • ARABIC
  • HINDI
Dr. Karan Kalra
Specialist Orthodontist
  • ENGLISH
  • HINDI
Dr. Ali Gibreel
General Dentist, Prosthodontist
  • ENGLISH
  • ARABIC
Dr. Tatiana Pestova
General Dentist
  • ENGLISH
  • RUSSIAN
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