How Often Do I Need X-Rays for Routine Dental Care?

Routine Dental Care Agoura Hills, CA

Many dental patients have come to expect X-rays as a part of routine dental care. Once or twice a year, a patient may be asked to undergo this simple procedure that provides pictures of the teeth above and below the gum line. 

Healthy patients rarely have to think beyond holding still for a moment so that the camera can capture a good image, but others are keenly aware of what the results mean. The results of X-rays can help the dentist detect cavities, prepare the patient for a procedure, and monitor the progression of disease.

What purpose do X-rays serve in routine dental care?

Though most patients do not have to receive X-rays more than once a year as a part of routine dental care, other people have a dental condition that requires this imaging as a part of the treatment planning. Here are three ways in which a dentist may use X-rays to help care for patients.

1. Detecting hidden cavities and teeth

For children and healthy patients, annual X-rays are used to find cavities, watch for signs of decay, and make sure there is enough room for teeth that have not yet erupted. Occasionally, an X-ray at a regular checkup appointment can reveal a more serious problem such as a hidden cavity below the gums, a tumor, or an issue with how a patient’s teeth are erupting from the gums.

2. Preparing patients’ teeth for procedures

Patients who receive implants or braces or who are about to undergo wisdom tooth removal may need X-rays to check on the state of their gums, tissues, or hidden wisdom teeth. Investigating what is going on beneath the gums can give dentists a clearer idea of how to proceed with the patient’s scheduled treatment.

3. Monitoring severe dental disease

Patients who have severe decay or a history of several dental procedures, or those who are at risk for gum disease or other dental issues, may be advised to receive X-rays on a more regular basis. With these results, the dentist can devise treatment plans for individual patients.

How often should patients receive X-rays as a part of routine treatment?

Healthy patients who have no dental conditions aside from the odd cavity can continue to receive X-rays every 12 to 18 months as part of routine dental care appointments. Adolescents may need more frequent X-rays to detect the eruption of wisdom teeth. Adults who have current gum disease, or a history of gum issues, need frequent X-rays at the site of disease.

Children who do not have all of their baby teeth and adults who do not have any teeth may not need X-rays unless there is evidence of dental disease. A dentist is able to further advise in these situations.

Conclusion

Receiving X-rays is an important part of routine dental care. Patients of all ages should remember to attend regular dental visits and participate in receiving X-rays to monitor oral health and prevent serious dental problems in the future.

Are you considering routine dental care in the Agoura Hills area? Get more information at https://www.familydentistry.com.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Routine Dental Care in Agoura Hills, CA.

Recent Posts

What Is All-on-4® And How Does It Replace Missing Teeth?

The All-on-4® procedure is a popular choice for those looking to undergo a hybrid method of tooth replacement. Implant-supported dentures combine dental implants and dentures into one restoration, which allows patients to smile confidently, speak comfortably and eat naturally. While the All-on-4® procedure is relatively popular, it is still rather new to dentistry, which is…

Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Options For Teeth Discoloration

One of the most popular reasons people seek cosmetic dentistry is to improve the color of their teeth. We all start with pearly white teeth, but they pick up stains and discoloration over the years. Fortunately, there is a cosmetic dentistry treatment for any type of stains your teeth pick up.There are various reasons why…

Invisalign® Vs. Traditional Braces

Invisalign® and traditional braces are two of the more common methods of orthodontic treatment. Each option offers unique benefits, and one may be preferable to another in certain situations. This review offers insights into how Invisalign and traditional braces compare to one another and how to choose the best option for you. Invisalign and traditional braces…

Invisalign Or Braces? Choosing The Option For You

Invisalign® provides you with a discreet way to improve the alignment of your teeth. It can be just as effective as straightening teeth with metal braces, and it offers a more comfortable approach to improving the alignment of teeth.Traditional metal braces have been used to straighten teeth for over a decade, but they are highly…

Recent Posts

What Is All On  ® And How Does It Replace Missing Teeth?

What Is All-on-4® And How Does It Replace Missing Teeth?

The All-on-4® procedure is a popular choice for those looking to undergo a hybrid method of tooth replacement. Implant-supported dentures combine dental implants and dentures into one restoration, which allows patients to smile confidently, speak comfortably and eat naturally. While the All-on-4® procedure is relatively popular, it is still rather new to dentistry, which is…

Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Options For Teeth Discoloration

Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Options For Teeth Discoloration

One of the most popular reasons people seek cosmetic dentistry is to improve the color of their teeth. We all start with pearly white teeth, but they pick up stains and discoloration over the years. Fortunately, there is a cosmetic dentistry treatment for any type of stains your teeth pick up.There are various reasons why…