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When you visit our practice, our dentist can visually examine your mouth, but some areas are hidden from view, such as the contact areas between your teeth and tooth roots and teeth yet to emerge. Dental x-rays are an important diagnostic tool because they allow us to see these hidden areas to identify any potential problems and provide appropriate treatment more quickly. Dental x-rays help us detect signs of gum disease, tooth decay and other issues affecting your dental health.

When Do I Need to Have Dental X-Rays?

When you visit our practice for the first time, we will almost certainly want to take a complete set of x-rays so we can assess the condition of every tooth as well as your jawbone. These images help give us a clear overview of your current dental health and provide you with a good preventive dental care plan to help maintain a healthy mouth or recommend suitable treatments for any issues these images may show. After this initial set, we recommend you have further dental x-rays at regular intervals as part of your dental exam. How frequently will depend on your overall health and your dental health, your age, and whether you have any signs of oral health problems such as a history of gum disease or cavities.

You can rest assured we do not take x-rays any more frequently than needed, and some people may only require them every couple of years.

Diagnosing Dental Emergencies Using Dental X-Rays

If you visit our practice with a dental emergency, such as a severe toothache or another problem, we will want to take an x-ray at this point to diagnose the problem quickly so we can provide treatment to relieve the discomfort. Dental x-rays are especially useful when diagnosing problems such as an infected tooth that might need root canal therapy, allowing us to visualise the extent of the infection and plan your treatment.

How Often Do Children Need Dental X-Rays?

Because children are more prone to developing cavities in adults, they may need more frequent dental x-rays. These x-rays also allow us to check the development of permanent teeth. We can also see if these will come through without any problems.

Are There Any Risks in Having Dental X-Rays?

Modern digital dental x-rays are extremely safe, emitting very low radiation levels, and this exposure level will not harm adults or children. We also take extensive precautions to protect you, covering your vital organs and thyroid with a lead apron. It can be much more harmful to leave a dental problem untreated, as a serious infection can impact your overall health.

Can I Have X-Rays if I Am Pregnant?

If you are pregnant or could be pregnant, please let us know so we can take appropriate precautions to keep you and your baby safe. Generally, routine dental care, like dental x-rays during pregnancy, will not pose any risks. Maintaining good oral health during pregnancy can help avoid complications by protecting your overall health.