Dental X-rays & Pregnancy: Safety Concerns & Risks

Question
Dear Dr Rappaport,

I have just had my IUD taken out and my husband and I are trying for another baby.

Yesterday, I had a niggling feeling in my teeth and I feel as though I should go to the dentist. However, I'm sure I will need an x-ray and I am worried that if I have fallen pregnant that it will harm the fetus. Is it very dangerous for a very young fetus (hours/days/weeks)?

Does an x-ray have any lasting effect? What I mean is that if I show as not being pregnant and then have an x-ray and then conceive soon after - is that harmful?

I hope I make some sence.

Many thanks in advance.
Caroline  

Answer
You can safely have dental X-Rays during pregnancy. A dental X-ray is a "coned down" X-ray, using a cone shaped transducer. If you are pregnant, the dentist can place a lead apron over your pelvis, protecting it from the rays. The X-Rays travel straight ahead in a thin beam and do not cause harm to the baby.