Increasing the current (mA) in a dental x-ray unit does what?

Increasing the current, measured in milliamperes (mA), in a dental x-ray unit directly leads to the creation of more x-rays. The current controls the number of electrons produced within the x-ray tube; by increasing the mA, more electrons are available to generate x-rays. Consequently, this results in a higher quantity of x-ray photons being emitted during the exposure.

More x-rays contribute to increased image density, making the image darker. Therefore, while it enhances the quantity of radiation, it doesn't necessarily increase exposure time or reduce patient exposure. Moreover, a greater amount of x-rays means that the potential for patient exposure to radiation is higher, as exposure is proportional to the number of x-ray photons generated.