Dental x-rays are an important part of maintaining dental health and hygiene, providing a way for your dentist to evaluate the teeth and surrounding tissue. You won’t have x-rays at every simple oral exam, and the frequency of x-rays is really contingent on a few basic factors.
Dental X-Rays
Make sure to plan on x-rays in your dental schedule for the coming year- it is important! Here are a few things that your dentist looks for with dental x-rays:
- Decay between your teeth that is not visible
- Decay underneath fillings
- Cracks or filling damage
- Bone loss from Gum disease
- Nerve issues
- Infections in the roots
- Cysts
- Cancer
An x-ray also provides a roadmap for how the dental provider moves forward. They can better plan and prepare for implants, dentures, or braces from the information gleaned from an x-ray.
When treating children, an x-ray provides insight into whether adult teeth are coming in properly and if any are impacted in the gums.
Still wondering if it is time for an x-ray? Here is what you need to know:
How Often Should You Have a Dental X-Ray?
So, how often do you need to get a new dental x-ray? When you think about what these detect, it makes sense that there should be some frequency and schedule involved. Based on your distinctive medical and dental history, your dental provider will make a recommendation as to how often you should get x-rays. Typically, your dentist may suggest that you have them every couple of years- unless there are risk factors involved.
Some risk factors that merit more frequent x-rays include these:
- Children and teenagers should have x-rays every six months, particularly if they are prone to cavities. This may extend to a year for older teens who’s teeth are developing properly and without issue.
- Adults that have several fillings, bridges, crowns, or other restorative dental work may be recommended to have x-rays at least once a year, barring any dental emergencies.
- Those patients that have serious or advanced gum disease may also have more frequent x-rays. This may be used to assess bone loss and prospects of surgery.
- If you have dry mouth, you are at a greater risk of periodontal disease and tooth loss. For this reason, your dentist may recommend x-rays every six months to a year.
- Smokers should have more frequent x-rays, at least once a year, as they are at a higher risk of bone and tooth loss. Anyone that uses chewing tobacco is also urged to have x-rays more often, as they could be more susceptible to decay.
Old Mt Pleasant Dentistry
Is it time for your dental x-rays? Call Old Mt Pleasant Dentistry, in Mt Pleasant, SC, today to schedule yours. Old Mt Peasant Dentistry is a family dental practice, so they treat every age in your household. Everyone deserves the best in dental health and care; call to schedule your appointment today!
