Will You Need Your Teeth X-Rayed at Your Next Dental Exam?

Though it’s much easier and safer than it was in years past, having your teeth x-rayed is still not a bundle of fun. However, it may be part of your next dental visit. You do not necessarily need x-rays on every visit but there are a few situations in which it is likely. To find out for sure, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 and when you set up your appointment, ask us if your appointment is likely to include x-rays. Otherwise, read on to learn some of the reasons you may need dental x-rays.

You will likely need x-rays the first time you visit a dentist

If you are planning to see a new dentist then you can count on getting x-rays. Your new dentist needs a full, comprehensive view of what they are dealing with. They need to know which areas of your mouth are in great shape and what may need work. It may be possible for you to transfer your previous x-rays to your current dentist but in most cases it’s easier to simply have new x-rays taken.

You smoke cigarettes

If you are a smoker then you already know the potential health issues you could be facing and the side effects. One issue is that you are at a higher risk of several oral health issues, including gum disease, oral cancer, and gingivitis. As a result, your dentist may take x-rays more often than they would for a person who does not have this potentially serious health risk.

You haven’t had your teeth x-rayed in quite a while

If you have not had your teeth x-rayed in more than a year then you are likely to hear your dentist order up x-rays. Your teeth are constantly changing, not just when you’re a kid but as you age too. X-rays can help us see cavities, damage to your teeth, and other warning signs of more serious dental issues.

You have had a lot of dental work in the past

If you have a history of dental work, such as cavity fillings, bridges, etc., then your dentist will need x-rays to make sure that they are holding up. It is possible for fillings to have decay underneath them and x-rays can tell us this and show other problem signs.

You have gum disease

Gum disease is far from uncommon but that does not mean it should be treated casually. The fact is that if it is not treated it can turn from an annoyance and embarrassment to a serious issue that could result in losing your teeth. Gingivitis is the beginning form of gum disease and as it progresses it turns into what is known as periodontitis – a much more serious disease. Gum disease can do lasting damage so it is essential for your California dentist to get a full picture of the situation if you have signs of gum disease.