How often dental X-rays (radiographs) should be taken depends on the patient`s individual health needs. It is important to recognize that just as each patient is different from the next, so should the scheduling of X-ray exams be individualized for each patient. Your medical and dental history will be reviewed and your mouth examined before a decision is made to take X-rays of your teeth.
The schedule for needing radiographs at recall visits varies according to your age, risk for disease and signs and symptoms. Recent films may be needed to detect new cavities, or to determine the status of gum disease or for evaluation of growth and development. Children may need X-rays more often than adults. This is because their teeth and jaws are still developing and because their teeth are more likely to be affected by tooth decay than those of adults.
In this office we use digital x-rays. These x-rays are picked up by a sensor instead of a film packet so they can be seen and read on a computer screen.
The image is much larger so it is easy for a dentist to explain what is seen to the patient. And the amount of radiation needed to expose the sensor is 70% less than the already low exposure of conventional film.