How Often Do I Need Dental X-rays?

Your teeth are strong and resilient, much like bone. While they aren’t technically bone, they are visible on X-rays. 

X-ray imaging technology helps us here at Goodman Dental Center in Queen Creek, Arizona, detect decay and other dental issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye or aren’t yet causing problems when you chew.

Routine X-rays are an essential part of dental care because they alert us to issues before they create extensive problems. How often you need X-rays depends on your oral health history and any immediate concerns. 

In general, we recommend annual X-rays, but your oral health may indicate a different timetable. 

Read on to learn more about how we determine your needs when it comes to dental X-rays.

Why X-rays are important to dental care

X-rays play a critical role in preventive dentistry. They allow our technicians and dentists to spot decay and other issues early on, making treatment more effective and helping maintain your oral health. 

We include periodic X-rays in the care plans for all our family dentistry patients so we can be sure to catch any problems as soon as possible.

Frequency of dental X-rays

The American Dental Association advises that dentists take dental X-rays based on individual needs rather than a specific schedule. For most patients, this typically means having X-rays done annually so we can monitor for potential issues, such as tooth decay. 

Early detection through X-rays means we can treat any problems promptly and help you maintain a healthy smile.

For patients with specific dental issues, we may recommend more frequent X-rays. For example, if you’ve experienced persistent tooth decay, we may recommend X-rays every six months to monitor oral health changes and prevent further complications.

What X-rays detect

Periodic X-rays, whether that’s annually or more frequently, help us to detect hidden problems, including:

• Tooth decay
• Infections
• Jawbone loss
• Cysts

We also use X-rays to evaluate whether you’re a candidate for treatments like dental implants or to plan specific procedures, like fillings or orthodontics. 

Safety of dental X-rays

Modern dental X-rays are safe, quick, and painless. We use the latest technology to ensure your safety while obtaining clear, detailed images of your teeth. This process only takes a few minutes and provides valuable information that helps us customize your dental care to your specific needs.

X-ray imaging is essential in maintaining your oral health. If you’re due for dental X-rays, a comprehensive cleaning, a dental exam, or other oral health care, reach out to us at Goodman Dental Care today. Call our office or use our online tool to schedule your visit.