How Often Do I Need Dental X-Rays?

Like every part of you, your teeth are unique. That means dental care can’t be one-size-fits-all. It’s good to ask questions about your care so you fully understand how exams and preventive or restorative dentistry treatments benefit you.

One question we get from patients is how often they need dental X-rays. At his practice in Ione, California, experienced general and cosmetic dentist Thomas Eaton, DDS, uses X-rays to assess the condition of each patient’s teeth and plan for their oral care. 

How often can you expect to do X-rays? Let’s take a look.

How X-ray imaging helps your teeth

You might not realize it, but your teeth are a lot like your bones. Both comprise naturally strong and resilient materials, and both show up clearly with X-ray imaging.

This imaging allows Dr. Eaton to understand more about what’s going on inside your mouth. He can identify tooth decay and other dental issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye. 

An X-ray may even alert Dr. Eaton to emerging tooth issues that have yet to cause noticeable symptoms, such as temperature sensitivity or chewing discomfort.

Catching problems early, such as tooth decay, infection, cysts, and even jawbone loss, makes you a likely candidate for less invasive and less expensive dental restoration. X-rays as part of your regular dental exams play a prominent role in preventive dentistry.

You may also need an X-ray to evaluate whether certain dental treatments, such as dental implants or large fillings, might work for you. Dr. Eaton can use imaging technology to plan out these procedures.

How frequently should you get dental X-rays?

Dr. Eaton recommends annual X-rays as a part of a routine dental checkup. Most of his patients receive yearly X-rays at one of their twice-yearly visits. If you have other oral health factors, you may need imaging exams more frequently. 

Patients who experience persistent tooth decay can benefit from X-rays every six months. Dr. Eaton may also schedule X-rays as part of the preparation for procedures such as fillings, crowns, or dental implants.

No matter how frequently you need dental X-rays, Dr. Eaton takes the utmost care with your treatment. He explains your imaging results so you understand what’s going on in your mouth.

It only takes a few minutes to take dental X-rays, so the process doesn’t prolong your trip to the dentist.

If you’re due for a checkup or have oral health concerns, contact the office of Thomas Eaton, DDS by phone or online today.