How Often Do I Need X-Rays at My General Dentist Check-Up?

A general dentist is typically the main dental professional who will require dental x-rays in patients. X-rays are important for a variety of reasons, ranging from checking the general health of the teeth to looking at a child's overall bite. While there are a few specific factors that warrant a need for dental x-rays, there is a general guideline that dentists refer to when requiring them for routine care. This guideline dictates how often x-rays are needed during a check-up appointment with a general dentist.
How often are dental x-rays needed?
Below is an overview of how often x-rays are needed at a check-up with a general dentist. This information can be helpful for those who are not sure what to expect.
General guidelines
For the most part, a general dentist will recommend x-rays once a year. Most patients, whether children or adults, will undergo two routine check-up appointments a year. Typically, they are spread out so that they fall every six months. During one of these check-ups, x-rays are usually required to check the overall health of the teeth, jaw and bone beneath.
A general dentist requires x-rays once a year to ensure that there is no bone loss, jaw malposition or a shift in the teeth. Oftentimes, it can be hard to see these abnormalities through a routine examination. X-rays show the general dentist the interior of the bone and beneath the teeth, which is not visible to the eye normally. Without annual x-rays, the general dentist may not be able to catch some of the abnormalities, which could result in irreversible damage.
Other factors
While a general dentist requires x-rays about once a year, there are a few other factors that may warrant a need for an x-ray. Certain situations or oral health conditions can cause concern, which may result in a need for an x-ray. Outlined below are a few scenarios in which a general dentist may want or need to take x-rays.
- Orthodontic treatment typically requires x-rays to see the positioning of the teeth and jaw.
- Severe stages of gum disease can cause bone loss. An x-ray can show how bad the bone loss actually is.
- A dislodged tooth may have taken the entire socket and root system with it, which could result in the need for an x-ray.
- Wisdom tooth eruption requires an x-ray to see how deep the teeth are.
- Oral cancer screenings may require x-rays so that the general dentist can see beneath the teeth.
- A severe cavity may result in the need for an x-ray to determine if the bone has been affected.
Learn more today!
X-rays are an important part of maintaining good oral health. The average person should only need one x-ray a year, but it is best to consult with a general dentist to see if there are any special circumstances that may dictate otherwise. Reach out today to get started or to learn more.
Request an appointment here: https://drcalldental.com or call Dr. Call Dental Center at (706) 425-6240 for an appointment in our Dalton office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Related Posts
Many people think it is a normal part of an oral care routine, but dentists warn that bleeding gums are a sign something is wrong. When you brush and floss your teeth, sometimes you may see a little blood coming from your gums. In most cases, bleeding gums are a sign that you may have…
Dental bridges can replace missing teeth effectively and often without needing surgery. Not only will this restore the smile, but it also helps patients avoid the negative oral health effects of missing teeth. A general dentist can determine whether a patient is a good candidate for bridges in a consultation. However, learning the basics can…
There are many reasons why bleeding gums may occur. If it only happens once in a while, it is typically not cause for concern. Gums can bleed because of brushing or flossing that is overly vigorous. If bleeding is an ongoing occurrence, however, there may be an underlying medical or dental condition causing it. The…
Patients do not have to accept bleeding gums as part of routine oral health maintenance as this condition can lead to more advanced forms of gum disease. It can easily be treated with specialized products in the early stages. These patients should visit a dentist as soon as possible after noticing gum inflammation or bleeding…