Dental radiography may be performed in pregnancy for acute diagnostic purposes.28,29 When possible, radiography should be delayed until after the first trimester. Screen- ing radiography should be deferred until after delivery. Modern fast film, avoidance of retakes, and use of lead aprons and thyroid shields all limit risk. The teratogenic risk of radiation exposure from oral films is 1,000 times less than the natural risk of spontane- ous abortion or malformation.24