Dental X-Rays: How Frequently Do You Really Need Them?

Dental X-rays are part of a good oral health routine. While not as important as other procedures, like visual exams and tooth cleanings, X-rays are an essential tool dentists use to detect oral health problems, monitor the progress of certain procedures, and protect at-risk patients from severe problems. How often should X-rays be taken? Read below for more information.

How Often Do You Need Dental X-Rays?

My family dentist in Johnstown, PA explained that the frequency of X-rays depends on factors like age, oral health, overall health, and risk factors for oral disease.

For most patients, X-rays are rare, needed only once every year or two. Some patients may need them every six months or more often. The healthier your teeth and mouth, the less you need dental images taken.

Visiting a new dentist for the first time? Expect X-rays as a “get acquainted” welcome. Dentists take X-rays when new patients visit for the first time. The X-rays help them better understand the level of care the patient needs and where to focus the most attention.

After the initial visit and set of X-rays, dentists won’t need them again for another year or two, unless oral health concerns have been found.

If the X-ray reveals problems like cavities, bone loss, gum disease, or other issues, expect them to be part of your oral care routine fairly often. Dentists take X-rays every six months or more frequently when issues have been discovered. Frequent imaging procedures allow the dentist to monitor the progress of a procedure or condition and provide the most effective treatment options moving forward.

Certain risk factors can also lead to increased frequency of dental X-rays. If the dentist determines you are at higher risk for certain conditions, he may request more frequent images to monitor the condition. Dentists may place a patient in a high-risk category if there is a family history of specific conditions, poor oral hygiene issues, etc.

Do Children & Teens Need Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays benefit every patient, regardless of age. The American Dental Association recommends everyone, regardless of age, take dental X-rays, even children and teenagers.

Children may need X-rays more frequently, however, once they become teenagers, they’ll adhere to the once-per-year or two schedule as long as their teeth and mouth remain healthy.

Are Dental X-Rays Absolutely Necessary?

Dental X-rays are an invaluable tool for dental professionals, providing a second set of eyes that help them see far beyond their capabilities. This tool allows for faster, more reliable diagnosis and more effective treatment regimens personalized to every patient.

The American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control recommend dental X-rays once every 12 months. The ADA and CDC know best.

Problems That X-Rays Detect

Dental X-rays paint a picture of your mouth, giving dentists an up-close-and-personal view of areas that would otherwise go unnoticed and potentially be the source of oral health concerns.

Some of the common issues dental X-rays detect include:

Cavities/Tooth Decay: Cavities start in those hard-to-reach spots that a toothbrush normally misses, like between the teeth and near the gumline. Dental X-rays give insight into these problematic spots before issues become larger, harder-to-treat problems.
Gum Disease: Gum disease often causes bone loss. If your dentist notices severe bone loss, he may request an X-ray to determine if gum disease is the culprit. With this information, dentists can develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Infections: Abscesses and changes in the root canal are visible only through X-rays. Dentists cannot see the issues with the human eye. Dental X-rays may be performed after surgery, including a root canal, if there is a high risk of infection.
Jaw Alignment and Bite Problems: Patients with chewing problems, migraine headaches, and mouth discomfort often experience such issues due to jaw misalignment and bite problems. A dental X-ray provides information about the jaw alignment and the structure of the bite, enabling dentists to understand areas in need of attention and correct those problematic spots.
Pre-Procedure: Dentists often take dental X-rays before procedures such as tooth implants, dentures, or braces. X-rays help ensure the procedure goes as it should. The imaging procedure gives dentists time to make alterations to improve its success rate.

Dental X-rays detect problems like those outlined above and others. Without this procedure, your smile could be in danger.

Types of Dental X-Rays

Dentists use two main types of X-rays: extraoral and intraoral. Intraoral is the most common type of dental X-ray. This X-ray gives dentists a look at a patient’s teeth from their preferred angle. Extraoral X-rays examine the exterior components of the teeth, such as the skull and jaw.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

It’s true: dental X-rays use small amounts of radiation, leaving some to question its safety. It is natural to worry and wonder when your health and safety are on the line. Rest assured dental X-rays contain small amounts of radiation that do not pose a risk to human health. The X-rays are completely safe.

Dentists use the lowest level of radiation possible, minimize the number of X-rays taken, and take other measures to mitigate risks of dental imaging. Patients can always trust X-rays as a safe, beneficial dental procedure.

If you have additional concerns about the safety of dental X-rays, do not hesitate to speak to your dental care team. Dentists have the answers you see and can provide that extra assurance that allows you to relax comfortably during your visit.

Strike a (Dental) Pose

Maybe you won’t vogue into the dentist’s office, but adhering to the proper X-ray schedule ensures you walk with a confident smile glued to your face wherever you go. We hope this information gives you more insight into dental X-rays, how often you need them, and their importance in oral care. Talk to your dentist to learn more, and never forget digital dental imaging procedures.