Dental X-Rays Safety and How Often Should They be Done
Dental X-rays are an important element of routine oral care. They allow your dentist to look beneath the surface, where a regular exam can’t. Diagnostic imaging is foundational to dental care and is used to assess oral structures, diagnose disease and guide treatments programs.
Purpose of Dental X-rays
X-rays are used to detect and monitor:
Cavities (especially between teeth or under fillings)
Gum disease (bone loss around teeth)
Infections or abscesses at the root
Impacted teeth (like wisdom teeth)
Tooth development (in kids/teens)
Jaw issues or cysts/tumors
They’re essential for catching problems early—before they become painful or expensive to treat.
How Often Should You Get Them?
There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule—it depends on your oral health risk.
For most adults:
Every 1–2 years if you have good oral health and low risk
If you’re higher risk (more frequent X-rays may be needed):
History of frequent cavities
Gum disease
Dry mouth
Smokers
Ongoing dental treatments (implants, root canals, etc.)
In these cases: every 6–12 months may be recommended
For children:
Typically, every 6–12 months, because their teeth and jaws are still developing and cavities can progress faster
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Yes—modern dental X-rays use very low radiation levels. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, “dental x-rays expose patients to less than the daily dose of natural background radiation.”
Digital X-rays emit up to 80–90% less radiation than older film types
Protective measures (like lead aprons and thyroid collars) are often used
The radiation exposure is comparable to a short airplane flight
However:
Dentists avoid unnecessary X-rays
Always tell your dentist if you’re pregnant
Dental x-rays are a very important, preventative tool for your oral health. They aid in diagnosis in identifying potential tooth, gum or jaw issues, allowing your dental care provided to develop a treatment program to keep your smile healthy. Call Plainsboro Dental Carefor all your oral care needs at 609-799-4422.