How Often Does a General Dentist Recommend X-rays?

General Dentist Santa Cruz, CA

A general dentist might recommend that patients get x-rays during a dental appointment. X-rays serve many purposes in dentistry, from providing a closer look at the health of the oral cavity to checking a child’s bite alignment. Although certain factors necessitate the need for dental x-rays, there is a basic guideline used by general dentists when they request them for routine dental care. This guideline determines how often x-rays are required during a dental checkup.

The frequency of dental x-rays as recommended by a general dentist

Due to concerns about radiation exposure, patients often want to know whether they will need x-ray scans and how frequently. The information is helpful, particularly for those who are unsure of what to expect during the process. The answer to the question depends on the age of the patient and their oral health condition.

Typically, a general dentist will recommend undergoing an x-ray scan once a year. Most patients, whether adults or children, will require at least two routine dental checkups annually. Usually, the appointments are spread out so that it happens every six months. During one of the checkups, the dentist may request x-rays to check the overall condition of the teeth, jaw, and bones.

The x-ray is done once a year to ensure there is no case of bone loss, jaw misalignment, or movement in the teeth. Often, it may be difficult to see the abnormalities through a routine visual examination. X-rays reveal the interior of the bone and structures around the teeth to the general dentist, which is usually not visible to the naked eye. Without the yearly x-rays, some of the anomalies will be missed, which could potentially cause irreversible damage to the oral cavity.

Other factors to consider

While a general dentist recommends a routine x-ray once a year, other factors may necessitate getting an x-ray. For instance, some oral health conditions or situations can cause concerns that may require a more in-depth view. Below are some situations where a general dentist may recommend x-rays:

  • Teeth straightening treatment usually requires an x-ray to observe the position of the jaw and teeth
  • For a severe case of gum disease that may result in bone loss, an x-ray can reveal the extent of the bone loss
  • A dislodged tooth may have compromised its socket and root system, in which case an x-ray will show the level of damage
  • Wisdom tooth impaction requires an x-ray to see the position of the teeth
  • Oral cancer screenings may need x-rays so that the dentist can observe the situation under the teeth
  • A case of severe oral decay may need an x-ray to assess the damage and extent of decay

Ready to schedule an appointment with a general dentist?

X-rays play a crucial role in preventive care treatments and maintaining good oral health. A general dentist will usually only recommend one x-ray scan per year. Still, it is advisable to consult them to know whether there is any situation that may require otherwise. Book an appointment with our office today to learn more.

Request an appointment here: https://www.kevinjdailydds.com or call Kevin J Daily DDS at (831) 580-1141 for an appointment in our Santa Cruz office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Santa Cruz, CA.

Recent Posts

What Your Family Dentist Wants You To Know About Bad Breath

Suffering from bad breath? It is easy to neglect some of the most important routines when it comes to dental hygiene. While it is recommended to brush twice a day, there are a lot of key steps that many people neglect in taking care of their teeth. Let us take a look at some of…

General Dentist Office: Providing Care For The Whole Family

Like the primary care physician, the general dentist should be one of your most important sources for maintaining good health. This dental professional can spot troubling issues in your mouth but also provide ongoing maintenance. When you choose a dentist, you can take the entire family, regardless of the person’s age or the severity of…

General Dentist Procedures For Fixing ChippedTeeth

Thinking about choosing a general dentist to fix one or more chips in the teeth? One of the reasons why people are deciding to see general dentists is because they are very versatile dental professionals. This means they can offer both general and cosmetic dental services, even as it relates to chipped teeth. Examples of procedures…

A Fluoride Treatment From Your General Dentist Can Help Prevent New Cavities

A general dentist is the right person to go to for routine dentist appointments, which should always include a fluoride treatment. Although there are a few different kinds of dentists, a general one can provide you with regular cleanings and exams. These are important to have because they ensure that your mouth stays free of…

Recent Posts

Tooth Extraction For Wisdom Teeth

Tooth Extraction For Wisdom Teeth

Understanding that tooth extraction is the last option for removing one or more permanent teeth is important. Teeth are meant to last a lifetime and thus need to be saved whenever possible. In addition, wisdom teeth often require extraction to support a healthy mouth.The only way to know if a tooth extraction is necessary is…

Can Dental Bonding Fix My Smile?

Can Dental Bonding Fix My Smile?

Dental bonding is a way to improve your smile by closing gaps between teeth without orthodontic treatment, repairing chips and cracks and fixing other minor cosmetic imperfections. This review highlights what dental bonding is, what the benefits of treatment are and when to consider dental bonding treatment to improve your smile. No one should have to…