The short answer
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and major dental associations worldwide: dental X-rays during pregnancy are safe when properly shielded — and necessary care should not be delayed because of pregnancy.
The longer answer is what gives most expecting parents peace of mind.
How much radiation is actually involved?
A single modern dental X-ray exposes you to roughly the same radiation as a few hours of natural background radiation — the kind everyone is exposed to from the sun, soil, and air every day. Compared with chest X-rays, CT scans, or even a long-haul flight, dental imaging is one of the lowest-radiation procedures in medicine.
At Dental Fam, we use digital sensors instead of film, which reduces radiation exposure by up to 1000× compared with older systems. The image appears on screen instantly, the dose is minimal, and we can re-take only if absolutely needed.
What we actually do for pregnant patients
Even though the absolute risk is extremely low, we treat pregnancy with extra care:
- Lead apron with thyroid collar — every patient, every time. This blocks scatter radiation almost entirely.
- Only essential images. Routine "annual" X-rays can wait. We image only when it changes the treatment plan.
- Targeted, not full-mouth. A single periapical of the tooth in question, not a full series.
- Second-trimester preference, when possible. The first trimester is when the most sensitive development occurs, so we typically defer non-urgent imaging until weeks 14–28.
- Open conversation. We discuss the why before any image is taken, and you have the final say.
When you shouldn't delay
Untreated dental infection during pregnancy is genuinely risky — both for you and the baby. Active infections release bacteria into the bloodstream and have been linked to preterm birth and low birthweight. A delayed X-ray that prevents treatment is more dangerous than the X-ray itself.
If you have pain, swelling, a broken tooth, or a suspected abscess — please come in. We will manage imaging carefully, but we won't ask you to wait nine months.
What about ISO certification?
Our clinic operates under ISO 13485:2016 — the international standard for medical device quality management. This means every imaging device is calibrated, every protocol verified, and every dose controlled to international hospital standards. We are the only dental clinic in Khánh Hòa certified at this clinic-operations level.
For our patients, that's not a sticker on the wall. It's a standard you can feel: predictable, safe, transparent.
Ready to book a check-up?
We regularly treat pregnant patients and provide clear pre-visit guidance. If you'd like to ask questions before scheduling, call us at 058.258.2345 or message us on WhatsApp/Zalo. No pressure — just answers.