How Often Do You Need Dental X-Rays?
Routine dental checkups frequently involve X-rays. Once or twice a year during your dental visit, you may be asked to undergo this simple process so that the dentist can have a complete view of your teeth, both above and below the gumline. However, patients are often concerned about radiation exposure. So how often do you need dental X-rays? Read on to find out.
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What Are Dental X-Rays Used for?
Dentists use dental X-rays for many different reasons. Some of the most common ones are:
Detecting hidden problems
For those with healthy teeth, annual X-rays are done to look for cavities that may not be visible otherwise. When examining children, dentists take X-rays to make sure there is enough room for their permanent teeth that have not yet erupted.
An X-ray can also reveal a serious problem that may be developing below the gumline, like a tumor or tooth infection, but you haven’t had any symptoms yet.
Planning your dental treatments
Before you get dental implant surgery or undergo wisdom tooth removal, your dentist will take X-rays to check the hidden areas that they can’t see with the naked eye. Inspecting what is going on beneath your gums can give your dentist a better idea of how to proceed with your treatment.
Monitoring your oral health
Patients who have ongoing gum disease or those who are at risk for cavities or other dental issues need to be checked regularly. With dental X-rays, the dentist can devise a treatment plan or make any changes to your oral care routine.
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How Often Should You Get Dental X-Rays as a Part of Your Checkups?
The decision whether you need to get an X-ray or not, and how often you need it, is made entirely by your dentist.
Children and adults with tooth decay present or those with an increased risk for cavities may need dental X-rays every 6 to 18 months. This is also suggested for those who have current gum disease or have a long-standing history of tooth or gum-related problems.
Adolescents around the ages of 17 to 21 may get an X-ray once or twice a year because that’s the stage when wisdom teeth are about to appear.
Healthy patients who have no dental issues or are at low risk may even go two to three years between dental X-rays.
Wrapping Up
Receiving dental X-rays is an important part of your oral health care. How often you need them is based on what your dentist suggests. They make sure that X-rays get taken only when needed and the radiation exposure is minimal.
If you have any more questions, feel free to consult our dental expert at Cloud9 Dental. Call us at (818) 986-7411 to set up your appointment.