Comprehensive Family Dentistry: Do I need an X-ray?

Don’t Worry; X-rays are fine!

Here at South Shore Dental, we understand that a lot of our patients are worried about X-rays. To begin with, we would like to assure you that comprehensive family dentistry has continually reduced radiation exposure through the years. In fact, with digital dental radiographs exposure is very minimal.

But do you really need one?

With that said, the need for X-rays varies from individual to individual. It largely depends on how often the patient gets cavities, if they have significant fillings, if they have caps and/or if they received root canals. While frequency of oral health problems is somewhat hereditary, these sorts of issues are often borne from inadequate oral home care concerning your teeth and mouth.

For those who have inadequate oral health care or frequent oral health issues, comprehensive family dentistry typically recommends that they have an X-ray every 6 months. On the other hand, if the patient has a low frequency of cavities or requires minimal dental care they are updated every 12-24 months. In either case, definitive, full X-ray evaluations should occur at least once every 5 years to keep a clear picture of the patient’s total oral health.

X-rays are one of the most important tools available to comprehensive family dentistry. Most oral health diseases like cavities, abscesses, and gum disease begin with such minimal symptoms that they are difficult to catch otherwise. In this way, X-rays are the most important diagnostic tool available; this is why during your initial visits your dentist will always recommend a comprehensive X-ray examination.