To get a clear picture of your dental health, you’ll likely get a full dental scan or x-ray every time you visit the dentist.
There were 1.4 billion dental x-rays performed in the US in 2018 alone. This demonstrates how common and important this procedure is for good oral hygiene.
But how often should you get a dental scan, and why? Read on to learn more about this simple process and why it’s so crucial to preserving healthy teeth and gums.
Why You Need Dental X-Rays
A dental scan or x-ray allows your dentist to see your teeth up close and personal. These scans help the dentist find cavities that they might not see with the naked eye alone.
The teeth x-ray also helps your dentist see what’s happening under the gum’s surface and the roots of your teeth. It helps them determine whether or not your teeth are securely anchored in your mouth and to confirm there’s no underlying damage.
Getting a dental scan also reveals potential bone loss which can be an indication of disease. The more often you get a scan, the sooner your dentist can pinpoint issues and help you start treatment. It’s an effective way to prevent tooth pain, tooth loss, or even tooth infection earlier.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Scan?
You should schedule a tooth cleaning and dental exam at least once every six months. During your appointment, the dentist will typically perform an x-ray or dental scan.
However, if you have ongoing dental issues or get cavities frequently, you should get a scan twice per year or more. There are also specific times you’d need a scan, like in preparation for sinus lift surgery for implants. You can find more about sinus lift surgery here.
On the other hand, if you have excellent oral health, then you may need a scan less frequently. In some cases, just one scan every two to three years may suffice.
Who Shouldn’t Get a Dental X-Ray?
Annual x-rays for teeth are usually the standard practice. Yet in some cases, there may be times when getting this procedure is not advised.
If you’re pregnant or nursing, you may need to wait to get a dental scan. Young children may also need dental scans less frequently than adults.
Every time you get a dental x-ray, you’re exposed to a very, very low level of radiation. Thankfully, new technologies are constantly developed that are reducing this amount of exposure.
Take Good Care of Your Teeth
A dental scan is an effective form of diagnosis to check on the health of your teeth, roots, and gums. With the right plan in place, you can use these scans as part of your good oral hygiene routine. However, if you already have missing or damaged teeth, you may want to get dental implants oakbrook terrace to prevent other dental issues.
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