Safe Radiation Levels in CBCT Scans for Root Canal Therapy

Understanding Radiation in CBCT Scans for Holistic Root Canal Therapy

At Optimal Dental Health, we pride ourselves on providing the safest, most advanced, and holistic root canal therapy available. Our commitment to your oral health goes hand in hand with your overall wellbeing, and that includes keeping your exposure to radiation as low as possible while still ensuring the highest quality of dental care in London. 

One of the tools we use in modern dentistry is the Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan. These scans allow us to see the full structure of your teeth, roots, and surrounding bone in 3D, giving us a detailed view that traditional X-rays simply cannot provide. But many patients have concerns about radiation exposure from these scans, and that’s completely understandable. Let’s break it down.

What is a CBCT Scan?

A CBCT scan is a specialized type of X-ray that creates a 3D image of your teeth and jaw. Unlike traditional dental X-rays, which only give a flat 2D image, a CBCT scan allows our dentists to see every angle of your tooth roots, the shape of your canals, and any hidden issues like fractures or infections. This is particularly important in holistic root canal therapy, where precision is key to treating the tooth thoroughly while preserving as much natural structure as possible.

The level of detail CBCT provides helps us:

• Identify the exact anatomy of your tooth roots.
• Detects infections that are invisible on standard X-rays.
• Plan a more accurate, conservative treatment.
• Reduce the risk of complications, retreatments, and unnecessary procedures.

Radiation Levels: How Much Is Too Much?

Radiation exposure is measured in microsieverts (µSv). To give you perspective, the natural background radiation we’re all exposed to daily, through the soil, the air, and even our food, averages around 3,000 µSv per year.

A typical CBCT scan for dental purposes ranges from 19 to 200 µSv, depending on the machine and the area scanned. To put that into context:

• Banana: ~0.1 µSv each. Yes, eating a banana exposes you to a tiny amount of natural radiation.
• Standard dental X-ray: ~5 µSv per image.
• Chest X-ray: ~100 µSv.
• A return flight from New York to Spain: ~80 µSv.

So, a CBCT scan, even at the higher end, is often less radiation than a transatlantic flight and is considered very low risk. In fact, some CBCT scans used in root canal therapy are comparable to eating a few hundred bananas or, in everyday terms, the radiation you’re naturally exposed to over a few days.

Why This Matters in Holistic Root Canal Therapy

Our approach to root canal therapy is holistic, meaning we focus not just on removing infection but on protecting your overall health and wellbeing. This philosophy extends to our imaging choices: we only recommend CBCT scans when they meaningfully improve treatment outcomes.

Why is this important? Because unnecessary radiation is never beneficial. So, why choose Optimal Dental Health?

We use the latest low-dose CBCT machines. These advanced systems provide incredible clarity while minimizing exposure.

We tailor scans to your specific needs. Smaller fields of view mean less radiation and a focused view of the area of concern.

We compare risks and benefits. The detailed 3D images help us preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible, prevent complications, and reduce the need for repeat procedures, which may actually involve more cumulative radiation.

Safety Is Our Priority

Radiation from CBCT scans is very low and considered safe for virtually all patients. Our team is trained to use the lowest possible dose that still gives us the high-quality images we need for safe and effective treatment.

We also follow strict safety protocols:

• Lead aprons and thyroid shields for extra protection.
• Patient-specific exposure settings to avoid overexposure.
• Regular maintenance and calibration of our CBCT machines to ensure they operate safely.

For most patients, the radiation from a CBCT scan is equivalent to:

• 1 to 2 weeks of natural background radiation.
• Eating 200 to 500 bananas 
• A single international flight from Europe to the United States.

In other words, the benefits far outweigh the minimal risk, particularly when it comes to the success of your root canal treatment.

The Benefits of Choosing Optimal Dental Health

Choosing Optimal Dental Health for your root canal therapy means you’re choosing precision, safety, and holistic care. Here’s what sets us apart:

Comprehensive imaging for better outcomes: CBCT scans allow us to fully understand your tooth’s anatomy, leading to more predictable and successful root canal treatments.

Holistic approach: We focus on overall health, using biocompatible materials and techniques that minimize stress on your body.

Minimized radiation exposure: Advanced imaging technology and careful planning mean you get exactly the information needed—no more, no less.

Personalized care: Every treatment plan is tailored to your specific anatomy and needs, ensuring that your treatment is as conservative as possible.

Simple Comparisons to Put Your Mind at Ease

We know numbers like “microsieverts” can be abstract. Here’s a simple way to think about it:

In other words, the radiation from a CBCT scan is extremely low, comparable to everyday activities or small dietary exposures, and far below levels associated with health risks.

Conclusion 

Radiation exposure is a natural part of life, and modern dentistry uses it judiciously to protect and preserve your health. At Optimal Dental Health, every CBCT scan is carefully considered and tailored to provide the best possible outcome with minimal exposure.

Our patients can rest assured that when they choose our holistic root canal therapy, they are choosing safe, effective, and compassionate care, supported by the most advanced imaging technology available. 

The next time you need a root canal, you can feel confident that the small dose of radiation from a CBCT scan is just a tiny fraction of your daily exposure and a small price to pay for the best possible care for your teeth and your overall health.

About the Author: Dr. Anna Galanoudis, Dentist

Dr. Anna Galanoudis is a holistic dentist at Optimal Dental Health, with a special interest in root canal therapy and safe, precise dental imaging. With expertise in CBCT scans and biocompatible treatments, she combines advanced technology with patient-centered care to ensure effective, minimally invasive dentistry. 

Passionate about educating patients on treatment safety, Dr. Galanoudis empowers individuals to make informed decisions for lifelong oral health. To book a root canal consultation with Anna Galanoudis, call us today on 020 3921 1000 or email the team at hello@optimaldental.co.uk.