How Often Does a General Dentist Recommend X-rays?

General Dentist Johns Creek, GA

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.johnscreekteeth.com or call Johns Creek Dentistry at (770) 623-1427 for an appointment in our Johns Creek office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Johns Creek, GA.

Recent Posts

Teeth Grinding Treatment From A General Dentist

Our general dentist can help reduce the effects of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Most people who grind their teeth tend to be unaware of their habit because it mainly occurs during sleep. Grinding your teeth occasionally due to being anxious or stressed out typically does not cause noticeable damage to teeth, but doing…

A General Dentist Discusses Cavity Treatment

Your experienced general dentist can repair your cavities. Assessing your teeth will come first. Then, the dentist will discuss the treatment options with you. Knowing which option can help you the most can prepare you for the visit. Here are the details about the different cavity treatments that your general dentist can discuss with you.The…

A General Dentist Can Save An Injured Tooth

Have you ever suffered from an injury that left your teeth in pain? How do you know if you have an injured tooth? How can it be fixed? An injured tooth doesn’t have to be the end of the world, even though there are some instances where it can be fatal. Keep your teeth healthy…

Tips For Flossing From A General Dentist

During a visit to the general dentistry office, the dental professional will typically emphasize the importance of flossing. If you tend to forget to floss every day or have trouble with the process, you are not alone. The time and effort required to thread the floss between each tooth and remove plaque and food particles…

Recent Posts

Three Popular Dental Bonding Treatments

Three Popular Dental Bonding Treatments

Dental bonding provides patients with a non-invasive way to repair a myriad of issues that affect their teeth. The procedure can be performed for restorative or cosmetic purposes. It typically does not require the use of anesthetics or multiple visits to a dentist.Unlike crowns and veneers, which typically require shaving enamel off the tooth being…

Understanding Composite Versus Porcelain Veneers

Understanding Composite Versus Porcelain Veneers

Treatments available to improve minor aesthetic issues with your teeth include dental veneers that cover up such imperfections to give your teeth a more uniform appearance. There are two separate treatments that are referred to as veneers, and while they accomplish the same purpose, they have little in common with one another otherwise.Knowing the difference…