Dentists can identify many problems by looking in your mouth, but X-rays show what the naked eye doesn’t see. This technology helps us find issues like cavities before they cause symptoms. How often do you need X-rays?

What Are X-Rays?

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation used for medical imaging. The beams pass through your body and produce pictures of your body’s structures, like your teeth. Because the radiation exposure from X-rays is so low, the benefits outweigh the risks.

Why Do Dentists Use X-Rays?

We use X-rays to find decay, bone loss, abscesses, and more. For children, X-rays reveal if there will be enough space in the mouth for erupting teeth. We can spot other issues with development, too. Without X-rays, we wouldn’t know about problems in their early stages.

How Often Do I Need X-Rays?

It depends. Some people need X-rays every six months while others need them every few years. If you’re visiting us for the first time, we’ll take X-rays as part of your initial exam. Thanks to the digital X-rays we use, getting X-rays taken is faster and much more comfortable. They use smooth sensors instead of X-ray film, so you won’t feel poking in your cheeks and gums. Digital X-rays also emit up to 90 percent less radiation than regular X-rays! For a full view of your mouth, we use digital panoramic X-rays.

Getting X-Rays Is an Important Part of Preventative Dentistry at Mission Hills Family Dental in San Marcos, CA

If we didn’t have X-rays, we wouldn’t know about dental issues until they started causing major problems. In many cases, there would already be long-term damage done. With X-rays, we can catch problems early and save you a lot of stress, pain, and money! If you have any questions about X-rays or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.