Dental x-rays???

My husband and I are planning to TTC this month for the first time. I wanted to make sure everything was perfect including my dental work. When I went to the dentist last month they needed to replace a crown. In doing so, my dentist needed to take one digital x-ray to make sure it was o.k. I did have an apron. This was on Dec. 20th. I am now concerned about radiation effects if any. Do I need to wait a month or can I continue with my plans to TTC this month?

Dental x-rays???
Last time I had a (non-dental) X-ray, I was surprised by how small an area of my body they covered.





I talked with the radiologist, and they explained that there's a lot less "excess" radiation than there used to be in X-rays. Basically, the beam is more focused than in the past, so there is less danger of exposure.





Additionally, I had a dental emergency when I thought I might be pregnant (though I wasn't). They still X-rayed me, though they were a little extra careful with the lead apron.





If you have not yet conceived, then any radiation you were exposed to on 20 Dec. should not have any effect (beyond the cumulative effect of all such radiation), and I don't think waiting another month would make any difference.





If you have, then bring up your radiation concerns with your OB at your first visit.





Best of luck to you both!
Reply:You had an apron on during the xray so you should be ok. The apron is designed to prevent any radiation from getting through. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor.





Good luck!
Reply:You're fine - even if you didn't have the apron, your eggs are not going to change from one month to the next. If any damage was done, which is highly unlikely, it's not going to get better by waiting a month.





Women produce all the eggs they will have for their entire lifetimes before they are even born, while men produce new sperm on an ongoing basis from puberty forward (although as they get older the quality usually decreases signficantly). Waiting a month makes sense for the prospective father because of this, but not the mother.
Reply:I was having major mouth pain and had to get Xrays during my 5th month. I was double layered in the apron and the baby and I were fine. I asked my obstetrician, and she gave me the green light. Dental Xrays are very localized, so you will be fine.