What type of radiation exposure can dental radiography cause?

Dental radiography primarily utilizes X-ray radiation for imaging purposes. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that has the ability to penetrate various materials, including human tissue. This characteristic makes X-rays particularly valuable in dental imaging, as they allow dentists to visualize the internal structures of the teeth and surrounding bone.

X-ray radiation is produced when high-energy electrons collide with a metal target within the X-ray tube, resulting in the emission of X-rays. These rays are then directed towards the area being examined, capturing detailed images that are crucial for diagnoses and treatment planning in dentistry.

While alpha and beta radiations are types of particulate radiation that stem from radioactive decay and are not involved in dental imaging, gamma radiation, although also a form of electromagnetic radiation similar to X-rays, is typically not used in standard dental practices. Gamma radiation has higher energy levels and is used in different medical imaging contexts such as nuclear medicine, rather than dental radiography. Thus, X-ray radiation is the specific type of radiation associated with dental radiography, which is essential for effective dental diagnosis and care.