How often should teeth be x rayed?

Welcome, dental enthusiast! Today we’re going to talk about everyone’s favorite topic: x-rays. Yes, there’s nothing like a little radiation exposure to brighten up your day. But fear not! Just because you’re being blasted with ionizing radiation doesn’t mean you can’t have fun while doing it.

What are Dental X-rays?

First things first, let’s define what the heck we’re talking about here. When people say “dental x-rays,” they’re usually referring to radiographic images of your bones (or teeth) that allow dentists and oral surgeons to see inside your mouth.

There are two main types of dental x-rays: intraoral and extraoral.

Intraoral

Intraoral x-rays involve bite wing or periapical images where one side of the mouth is imaged at a time. These permit insight into individual teeth – this technique permits specific tooth concerns like cavities or gum disease diagnosis without having to go through an invasive oral exam.

Extraoral

Extra-Oral Radiographs track analysis exterior portion for bigger tissue evaluation in figures such as panorex scans which provide an overview on on lots of structures within the head and neck area.

So now that you know what they are… how often should you get them?

It Depends on Your Age

Here’s rule number one:Frequency depends heavily on age — Below is a table summaring top X ray needs:

Age	Suggested frequency
Under 18	Once per year
18 -35	One set every two years
Over 35 +	Once per year

It really does vary depending upon various life circumstances but also current medical history — if someone has had multiple issues ongoing –more may be required by default.

What About People at High Risk for Dental Problems?

Now, if you’re in a higher risk group for dental problems, such as smokers or people with a history of gingivitis or periodontal disease,then your dentist may recommend more frequent x-rays.

Smokers

Smoking involves tobacco and emits chemicals that hugely affect oral health increasing the chance of tooth decay, gum disease et al. For this reason smokers need to be particularly careful when it comes to maintaining oral hygiene – Xrays are especially important for monitoring changes in teeth(alongside ongoing treatment)

Those with Periodontal Disease

Individuals who have had significant bone loss caused by active gum infection require closer scrutiny than those deemed healthy.Regular xrays can help establish how much time has passed since last stabilizationCheck-ups builds accuracy of examinations allowing dentist provide definitive diagnosis without errors or room left for speculation

### Chemotherapy Patients

Chemotherapeutical medications result in weakened immunity system , on occasion leading into dental issues.It might be really helpful to perform an x-ray so that early symptoms– ie. swelling/issues with soft tissue –can give leads about where appropriate procedures (extractions etc.) should come into play…

Overall…how often you get x rays(if ever) has no bearing on how well off you are but is purposeful as ensuring all treatment alternatives available.

However…you have reasons why someone would want to avoid countless doses hence selecting non-ionizing options like digital imaging systemsinsteadof traditional ones becomes essential.

But Wait… Aren’t X-Rays Dangerous?

Ah yes, let’s not forget everyone’s favorite question: Are dental x-rays dangerous??? Your grandmother probably told you back in the day your toes will fall off after getting one diagnostic scan done…but new technology begs otherwise.

The fact remains numerous interventions out there surpass permissible amounts making necessary only limited use.Use again correlates directly upon circumstances surrounding targeted individual.

So, what’s the verdict?

Conclusion

The frequency of dental x-rays you should get really depends on your age and other individual circumstances. It is always recommended that speak to your dentist if you’re worried about the potential risk or have feedback of any sort-since a “perfect” solution always varies among different individuals.

There are many reasons why someone would want to avoid excessive radiation exposure — in which case selecting to do non-ionizing digital imaging systems instead of traditional ones can be essential.

Just remember — regardless of how often you’re getting blasted with ionizing radiation… at least it’s not as bad as going through TSA security!