Radiographic exposure during pregnancy

Abstract

A 28 year old woman in her first trimester of pregnancy attends the dental surgery as a new patient. She presents with a periapical abscess on her first molar tooth and expresses concern about the numerous unfilled cavities that may cause problems during her pregnancy. She had last visited a dentist over five years ago and brought a set of radiographs taken during one of those appointments. The proposed current treatment plan was explained together with the need to update the type and number of the radiographs that were required. She said that she was worried about the risk of miscarriage and could her old radiographs not be used instead of taking new ones?