Do I Have to Get X-rays at the Dentist Every Year?

Posted on 7/15/2024 by Summit Dental Group

As an adult, you know the schedule for your bi-yearly dental exam. One of the first steps to a dental exam is getting a set of dental X-rays. Are dental X-rays really necessary for good dental health? Here is an explanation of what dental X-rays are for and why they are important for maintaining your dental health.

The History of the Dental X-Ray

Dentists began taking the first dental X-rays in large cities in the late 19th century. However, most dentists did not begin using them until after World War II in the 1950s, when people began placing more emphasis on good dental health and X-rays became cheaper and safer.

What Do Dentists Use Dental X-Rays For?

X-rays are vital to dentists for a variety of reasons. Dentists can only see the outer structures of your teeth and gums, and they cannot see the inner structures of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. X-rays make the insides of your mouth visible and help dentists diagnose problems with your teeth, gums, or jaw.

X-rays help dentists locate all of your teeth, even if some of them have not erupted yet or are impacted (stuck in your jawbone). X-rays can also spot any cavities you have that may be difficult to see on the tooth enamel. If you have a tooth infection, X-rays can spot those as well. Misshapen teeth can also be documented on X-rays.

If you have gum disease, it is important to measure whether the disease has caused deterioration of your jawbone. X-rays can also spot any jaw abnormalities, including jaw fractures. If you have a bite issue, an X-ray allows the dentist to see how bad your bite issue is and what type of bite issue you have.

An Important Dental Tool

Dentists rely on X-rays to continue to keep your mouth as healthy as possible. It is really important to have your dental X-rays each year so our dentist can compare your new X-rays to your previous X-rays. That is why it is vital to ensure you get a set of new X-rays each year. Not sure when your last dental X-ray was? We can help. Reach out to us today so we can schedule an appointment for you.