How Often Are Dental X-Rays Needed?
Dental X-rays allow your dentist to have a closer look at what’s going on beneath the surface. You may be asked to get X-rays done as part of your routine dental checkups. But many patients feel worried about radiation exposure. So that leads to the question: how often are dental X-rays needed? Let’s find out.
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Why Do Dentists Take Dental X-Rays?
Even with the best set of eyes, dentists can’t see what’s happening inside your teeth and below your gumline. Sometimes, issues like small cavities may remain hidden for months or years without anyone noticing them.
That’s the reason dentists take digital X-rays to identify such issues, preferably before they worsen.
Normally, dentists record bitewing X-rays during routine checkups. They can show cavities that are just beginning to develop. Your dentist can also see bone loss due to gum disease.
Periapical X-rays can help to find a hidden cyst or abscess that is under your gums. And if you are going to have some complicated treatment like implant surgery or wisdom tooth removal, your dentist will recommend a panoramic X-ray which shows the whole picture of your mouth.
How Often Do You Need Dental X-Rays?
It depends on your oral health status. Your dentist will decide whether or not you need to get a dental X-ray and how often you need to have them during your checkups. Before taking any scans, dentists always conduct a complete clinical exam and review your medical history.
Children and adults, especially those at low risk for cavities or gum disease, need X-rays every 6 to 18 months. But if you have active gum disease, cavities, infection, or any other urgent problem, your dentist may recommend them more often. Dentists may also recommend frequent X-rays for children whose permanent teeth are coming in.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
It’s normal to feel worried before getting X-rays, especially if you need them more often. You can have peace of mind knowing that dental X-rays use very low levels of radiation, and modern digital systems further reduce exposure compared to older methods.
In fact, the modern X-ray devices dentists use nowadays emit far less radiation than the traditional ones. So generally, they are quite safe.
Still, it’s okay to feel concerned because radiation exposure can have some risks, even if it’s low.
One way to reduce it is to maintain your oral health as best as you can. Fewer dental issues mean less frequent X-rays. Also, talk to your dentist about X-ray concerns. If your oral health is good, they may adjust your schedule so you can go longer between routine X-rays.
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To Sum It Up
You don’t need dental X-rays too often unless your dentist suggests it because of an underlying issue. For most people, dental X-rays every 6 to 18 months are good enough to keep a check. If you have any oral health-related concerns, feel free to discuss them with our team at ACE Dental of Temple!. Call us today to make an appointment.
Medically Reviewed
Aditi Gupta, D.D.S.
Dr. Aditi Gupta is a renowned family dentist, specializing in general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry at ACE Dental with 9 locations across central Texas. She has been an esteemed practitioner for over 12 years and earned her board certification from the American Board of General Dentistry as well as memberships in both the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association.