Dental X-Ray Film and Radiation Dose

Carestream Dental is committed to providing intraoral X-ray film solutions to oral health professionals that provide optimum clinical detail for diagnosis while reducing the level of patient radiation exposure.  

  • Intraoral X-ray images, or radiographs, have long been standard diagnostic tools used during dental examinations. Dental radiographs provide critical information that helps diagnose a number of common diseases related to the teeth, face and jaws.
  • Radiographs can identify hidden abnormalities or pathologies – such as tooth decay, infections, periodontal disease, and changes to teeth, bone or ligaments. These oral health issues can be virtually undetectable by the naked eye or by clinical examination in their early stages and are often not associated with pain or other symptoms. Early detection of oral health conditions has been shown to simplify treatment, improve overall patient outcomes and prevent the use more expensive, invasive care needed as a result of missed diagnoses or undiagnosed, late-stage oral health issues.
  • Our award-winning KODAK INSIGHT Dental Film, an F-speed film, has been shown to reduce radiation exposure to patients by up to 60 percent compared to slower, D-speed films. While we continue to manufacture and sell KODAK ULTRA-SPEED Dental Film, or D-speed film, our F-speed film is available for just pennies more per use. While more oral health professionals are recognizing the increased safety of using faster dental film, D-speed film still accounts for 70% of our US sales.

  • Throughout our outreach, education and communication materials to oral health professionals, Carestream Dental reinforces that X-rays only be used for diagnosis, treatment and some forms of guided treatments. Patients should always be informed of the potential risks, benefits and alternatives to the use of radiation. Carestream Dental advocates adherence to the ALARA Principle, or “As Low as Reasonably Achievable,” which dictates that every precaution should be taken to minimize radiation exposure to patients and staff while obtaining radiographic images of optimal diagnostic quality.

  • We encourage consumers to be informed about the diagnostic aids that their oral health practitioner uses. Be certain to ask your dentist questions about any X-ray exam, such as, “Why do I need a radiograph? Is there an equally beneficial test that doesn't require radiation? Am I getting the lowest dose possible? Are you using an F-speed {or digital} film to take my images? Has this test been done on me before?”

To learn more about reducing dose by switching to KODAK INSIGHT Dental film, an F-speed film, call 1.800.933.8031.

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Additional Information about Dental X-ray Film and Radiation: