what X-rays of my teeth at the dentist show and why it has to be radioactive and what the heavy apron does
In: Physics
X rays are a type of light. Unlike normal light, they can go through a lot of different materials. They get blocked by things like bone and teeth, and this means that if you shine x rays at a bone or tooth you get a shadow which can be photographed. This shadow picture can show internal detail of the teeth and bones.
This allows the dentist to see how the roots of the teeth are doing, they can see cavities, other bone problems and teeth which haven’t grown up properly through the gums.
X rays are not radioactive. They are a type of ionising radiation, a bit like ultraviolet light. Certain types of light can cause chemical reactions to take place which can cause damage to the body. For example ultraviolet light can burn the skin causing sun burn. X rays do a similar sort of thing, so it is important to balance the risk and benefit of checking the teeth or other organs for medical purposes against the possible risk of damaging the body.
Lead aprons are worn by people who need to stay in the room when taking an x ray of someone else. When the x rays come from the machine, they come In a focused beam like a flashlight which is directed at the organ to be examined. However, when they hit your body they spray off in all directions, and that means that they can hit other people in the room who are getting no medical benefit.
There is absolutely no point for someone getting the x ray to wear a lead apron.
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