X-rays help your dentist visualize diseases of the teeth and surrounding
tissue that cannot be seen with a simple oral examination. In addition, X-rays
help your dentist find and treat dental problems early in their development,
which can potentially save you money, unnecessary discomfort, and maybe even
save your life.
What Types of Problems Can X-Rays Detect?
In adults, X-ray films can be used to:
- Show areas of decay that may not be visible with an oral examination,
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 abscesses (an infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum
and a tooth) - Reveal other developmental abnormalities, such as cysts and some types of
tumors
In children, dental X-ray films 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 erupt properly - Check for the development of
wisdom teeth and identify if the teeth are impacted (unable to emerge
through the gums)
How Often Should Teeth Be X-Rayed?
The frequency of getting X-rays 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 examination and to
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:
Children (before eruption of first tooth)
Bite-wing X-rays if the teeth are touching and all surfaces cannot be
visualized or probed
Bite-wing X-rays taken every 6 months until no decay is present
Bite-wing X-rays taken every 12 to 24 months if the teeth are touching and
all surfaces cannot be visualized or probed
Selected periapicals and bite-wing X-rays of areas where disease is seen in
the mouth
X-rays to check for growth and development are usually not indicated at
this age
Adolescents (before eruption of wisdom teeth)
Bite-wing X-rays plus periapicals or occlusal views or bite-wing X-rays
plus panoramic view. A full-mouth series is indicated when there is evidence of
dental disease or history of extensive decay.
Bite-wing X-rays taken every 6 to 12 months until no decay is present
Bite-wing X-rays taken every 18 to 36 months
Selected periapicals and bite-wing X-rays of areas where disease is seen in
the mouth
Periapical or panoramic X-rays should be taken to check for development of
wisdom teeth
Adults with teeth
Bite-wing X-rays and selected periapicals. A full-mouth series is indicated
when there is evidence of dental disease or history of extensive decay.
Bite-wing X-rays taken every 12 to 18 months
Bite-wing X-rays taken every 24 to 36 months
Selected periapicals and bite-wing X-rays of areas where disease is seen in
the mouth
X-rays to check for growth and development are usually not indicated.
Adults without teeth
Full-mouth series or panoramic X-rays. Other X-rays are usually not
indicated unless specific dental disease is clinically present.
People who fall into the high risk category who may need X-ray films taken
more frequently include:
-
Children. Children generally need more X-rays than adults
because their teeth and jaws are still developing and because their teeth are
more likely to be affected by tooth decay. -
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 whether due to medications (such
as antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, antihistamines, and others) or disease
states (such as Sjogren‘s syndrome, 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).
QUESTION
What causes tooth decay?
See Answer
How Safe Are 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.
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.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dentistry.
Reviewed by Jay H. Rosoff, DDS, on March 1, 2007
Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson Mathis, MD, on May 1, 2005
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005