Dangers of Living Above a Dental Office?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential disadvantages of renting an apartment directly above a dental office, with a specific focus on concerns regarding radiation exposure from dental X-ray machines and the general atmosphere associated with dental visits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about whether radiation from the dental office's X-ray machine can penetrate into their apartment.
  • Another participant mentions UK regulations requiring X-ray rooms to pass penetration tests and suggests that dental offices are designed to prevent radiation leakage, citing their local experience with apartments above dental practices.
  • A different participant argues that dental X-rays are low intensity and focused on the patient, suggesting it is unlikely for X-rays to scatter into the apartment below, and notes that the machine is used intermittently.
  • One participant humorously comments on the potential for noise from patients who may be anxious about dental procedures, referencing a statistic about patient anxiety.
  • Several participants reminisce about past experiences with X-ray machines in shoe stores, reflecting on their safety and personal health outcomes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of concern about radiation exposure, with some suggesting it is minimal due to safety regulations, while others raise questions about the overall experience of living above a dental office. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the extent of any potential risks.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific regulations and personal experiences, but there is no consensus on the implications of living above a dental office or the safety of radiation exposure from X-ray machines.

brm629
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Hello,

I have the opportunity to rent an apartment directly above a dental office. I'm wondering about the disadvantages to doing that.

In particular, I'm wondering if the radiation from their X-Ray machine can travel into my apartment.

I would appreciate your insight.

Thanks in advance!
 
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brm629 said:
Hello,

I have the opportunity to rent an apartment directly above a dental office. I'm wondering about the disadvantages to doing that.

In particular, I'm wondering if the radiation from their X-Ray machine can travel into my apartment.

I would appreciate your insight.

Thanks in advance!
I don't know what the planning laws in the states are, but in the UK a X-ray room must pass a X-ray penetration test. If the room has windows they must be fitted with triple leaded plate glass. My local dentist has flats above the surgery and I don't think there are any problems. The size of NOX bottles are also restricted.
I remember as a kid that shoe shops in the UK had X-ray machines to make sure the shoes were a good fit. I remember wriggling my toes whilst looking into the screen with awe! Anyone else remember these or are you all young whipper-snappers?
 
brm629 said:
Hello,

I have the opportunity to rent an apartment directly above a dental office. I'm wondering about the disadvantages to doing that.

In particular, I'm wondering if the radiation from their X-Ray machine can travel into my apartment.

I would appreciate your insight.

Thanks in advance!
The dental X-ray is very low intensity and narrowly focused - at the patient. It is unlikely that X-rays would scatter into the apartment below. I would expect a normal, background radiation level in the apartment.

The X-ray machine would be used intermittently, and not during the night or off-hours, so I don't think there is any concerns to worry about.
 
brm629 said:
Hello,
I have the opportunity to rent an apartment directly above a dental office. I'm wondering about the disadvantages to doing that.

Screams of "tormented victims"? :)

Every time I think about dentists' work, I imagine how nearly every day they have to deal with patients who are hysterically afraid of dental medicine. I asked about that, and doctor confirmed that at least 20% of patients are like that.
 
I remember those X-ray machines as well - scary to think of them now!
 
Yes, I wiggled my toes way too many times, because it was so much fun, and I ain't got foot cancer yet, almost seventy years later.
 

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