Do You Still Need a Lead Apron for Dental X-Rays?

Dr. Christopher Omeltschenko
Wed, 06 May 2026 14:49:15 +0000
Uncategorized

Modern Dental X-Rays Are Safer Than Ever

If you’ve had dental X-rays in the past, you probably remember wearing a heavy lead apron and thyroid collar during your appointment. Many patients are surprised to learn that current recommendations from the American Dental Association no longer require routine use of lead aprons or thyroid collars for most dental X-rays.

At Total Dentistry Cincinnati, patient safety is always our top priority. As technology and research continue to improve, dental offices are updating their protocols to follow the latest evidence-based guidelines.

Why Are Lead Aprons No Longer Routinely Recommended?

1. Today’s Dental X-Rays Use Extremely Low Radiation

Modern digital dental X-ray systems use significantly less radiation than older film-based systems. In fact, today’s technology can use up to 96% less radiation than the equipment used when lead apron recommendations were first introduced.

Dental X-rays now use:

Digital sensors

Faster image capture

More focused X-ray beams

Precise exposure settings

These improvements greatly reduce unnecessary radiation exposure.

2. Modern X-Rays Are Highly Focused

Today’s dental X-ray equipment is designed to target only the specific area being examined. This process, called collimation, helps minimize radiation exposure to the rest of the body.

Rather than relying on shielding alone, modern dental safety focuses on:

Proper patient positioning

Digital imaging technology

Restricting beam size

Using the lowest effective exposure settings

This follows the ALARA principle, which stands for:

“As Low As Reasonably Achievable”

3. Lead Aprons Can Sometimes Interfere with Images

While lead aprons were once considered standard practice, they can occasionally interfere with modern imaging systems if not positioned correctly. This may block part of the X-ray image and require the image to be retaken.

Retakes can actually increase overall radiation exposure, which is why obtaining a clear image the first time is important.

Are Lead Aprons Unsafe?

Not at all. Lead aprons are still safe and may still be used in certain medical or dental situations. The updated guidance simply reflects that, with modern dental technology, they are no longer considered necessary for routine dental X-rays.

Many dental offices, including ours, still keep lead aprons and thyroid collars available for patients who prefer them.

What About Pregnant Patients?

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please let our team know before any X-rays are taken.

Dental X-rays use very low radiation levels, and necessary diagnostic X-rays can often still be completed safely during pregnancy when appropriate precautions are followed. Your dentist will evaluate the benefits and timing of any needed imaging.

Your Safety Comes First

At Total Dentistry Cincinnati, we are committed to:

Using modern digital X-ray technology

Following current safety guidelines

Minimizing radiation exposure

Providing clear communication and patient choice

If you would feel more comfortable wearing a lead apron during your visit, simply let us know — we are always happy to provide one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dental X-rays expose me to a lot of radiation?

No. Modern dental X-rays use extremely low levels of radiation.

Can I still request a lead apron?

Absolutely. Lead aprons and thyroid collars are available upon request.

Why did dentists use lead aprons in the past?

Older X-ray equipment produced higher levels of radiation and less focused beams, so shielding was recommended more routinely.

Are dental X-rays still safe for children?

Yes. Modern pediatric dental X-rays use very low radiation doses and are taken only when clinically necessary.