Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Yes. Modern digital radiology uses extremely low radiation doses.
At Alpine Smiles, our Planmeca Viso system operates with ultra-low dose protocols specifically designed to minimise exposure while maintaining diagnostic accuracy. Whenever clinically appropriate, we also use small field-of-view (FOV) imaging to further reduce radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality.
To help put this into perspective:
- A bitewing X-ray exposes you to radiation comparable to a few hours of natural background radiation.
- A panoramic OPT is roughly similar to the radiation received during a short airplane flight.
- Eating a banana exposes you to natural radiation due to potassium-40.
- Spending a day skiing at high altitude in the mountains exposes you to significantly more natural cosmic radiation than a single dental X-ray.
- Even sleeping next to another person exposes you to small amounts of natural background radiation.
Radiation from dental imaging is carefully controlled, medically justified, and kept as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA principle). We only recommend X-rays when clinically necessary and follow strict Swiss radiological protection guidelines. For pregnant patients and children we apply additional protective measures and individual clinical judgement. Your safety and long-term health remain our priority.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Find our clinic
We are at: Via Pico 19, 6900 Lugano - Switzerland
Bus
Take Bus No. 3 to Cassarate, Scuole and walk approximately 3 minutes along Via del Tiglio, or take Bus No. 2 to Cassarate, Monte Brè followed by a 5-minute uphill walk along Via Pico to our clinic.
Bicycle
Bike kiosks are available at Parco Giochi on Via del Tiglio, just around the corner from Alpine Smiles.
Parking
We have two private parking spots directly in front of the clinic. Free blue zone parking is also available on the surrounding streets. The nearest paid car park is Parcheggio Piazza Riscossa.
Ferry
Take the ferry to the Cassarate stop, next to the Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola and the Funicolare Monte Brè. From there follow Via Pico uphill to our clinic.