What Problems Can Dental X-Rays Detect?
- Show areas of decay that may not be visible with an oral exam, especially small areas of decay between teeth
- Identify decay occurring beneath an existing filling
- Reveal bone loss that accompanies gum disease
- Reveal changes in the bone or in the root canal resulting from infection
- Assist in the preparation of tooth implants, braces, dentures, or other dental procedures
- Reveal an abscess (an infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth)
In children, dental X-rays are used to:
- Watch for decay
- Determine if there is enough space in the mouth to fit all incoming teeth
- Determine if primary teeth are being lost quickly enough to allow permanent teeth to come in properly
- Check for the development of wisdom teeth and identify if the teeth are impacted (unable to emerge through the gums)
- Reveal other developmental abnormalities, such as cysts and some types of tumours
How Often Should Teeth Be X-Rayed?
The frequency of getting X-rays of your teeth often depends on your medical and dental history and current condition. Some people may need X-rays as often as every six months; others with no recent dental or gum disease and who visit their dentist regularly may get X-rays only every couple of years. If you are a new patient, your dentist may take X-rays as part of the initial exam and establish a baseline record from which to compare changes that may occur over time.
Some general guidelines your dentist may follow regarding the frequency of dental X-rays is as follows:
Dental X-Ray Schedule for Children, Adolescents, and Adults
| New patients | Repeat patient, high risk or decay is present | Repeat patient, no decay, not at high risk for decay | Current or history of gum disease | Other comments | |
| Children (before the eruption of the first permanent tooth) | X-rays if the teeth are touching and all surfaces cannot be visualized or probed | X-rays are taken every 6 months until no decay is present | X-rays are taken every 12 to 24 months if the teeth are touching and all surfaces cannot be visualized or probed | X-rays of areas where the disease is seen in the mouth | X-rays to check for growth and development are usually not indicated at this age |
| Adolescents (before the eruption of wisdom teeth) | A full series of X-rays is indicated when there is evidence of dental disease or a history of extensive decay. | X-rays are taken every 6 to 12 months until no decay is present | X-rays are taken every 18 to 36 months | X-rays of areas where the disease is seen in the mouth | X-rays should be taken to check for the development of wisdom teeth |
| Adults with teeth | A full series of X-rays is indicated when there is evidence of dental disease or a history of extensive decay. | X-rays are taken every 12 to 18 months | X-rays are taken every 24 to 36 months | X-rays of areas where the disease is seen in the mouth | X-rays to check for growth and development are usually not indicated. |
| Adults without teeth | X-rays are indicated if a specific dental disease is clinically present. X-rays may also be taken to check bone levels for poss tooth implant placement. |
Continued
- Children. Children generally need more X-rays than adults because their teeth and jaws are still developing and because their teeth are smaller. As a result, decay can reach the inner part of the tooth, dentin, quicker and spread faster.
- Adults with extensive restorative work, such as fillings to look for decay beneath existing fillings or in new locations.
- People who drink a lot of sugary beverages to look for tooth decay (since the sugary environment creates a perfect situation for cavities to develop).
- People with periodontal (gum) disease to monitor bone loss.
- People who have dry mouth– called xerostomia — whether due to medications or disease states (such as Sjogren’s Syndrom, damaged salivary glands, radiation treatment to head and neck). Dry mouth conditions can lead to the development of cavities.
- Smokers to monitor bone loss resulting from periodontal disease (smokers are at increased risk of periodontal disease).
How Safe Are Dental X-Rays?
Exposure to all sources of radiation — including the sun, minerals in the soil, appliances in your home, and dental X-rays — can damage the body’s tissues and cells and can lead to the development of cancer in some instances. Fortunately, the dose of radiation you are exposed to during the taking of dental X-rays is extremely small, especially if your dentist is using digital X-rays.
Advances in dentistry over the years have lead to a number of measures that will minimize the risks associated with X-rays. However, even with the advancements in safety, the effects of radiation are added together over a lifetime. So every little bit of radiation you receive from all sources counts.
If you are concerned about radiation exposure due to X-rays, talk to your dentist about how often X-rays are needed and why they are being taken. While some people need X-rays taken more frequently, current guidelines require that X-rays be given only when needed for clinical diagnosis.