Tuesday, April 22, 2014

How often should x-rays be taken?



Each patients individual health needs may be different from others. With new patients, I usually recommend a full mouth set of x-rays (18 films) to determine the present dental status and use it as the baseline to analyze changes that may occur later. I recommend a set of full mouth x-rays every three to five years.

For recall visits, the need for x-rays varies according to your age, risk for disease, signs and symptoms. X-rays may be needed to detect new cavities, or to determine the status of active gum disease. I recommend x-rays (4 bite wings and 2 periapicals-upper front and lower front teeth, every twelve months during check up.

Children may need x-rays more often than adults, because their teeth and jaw are still developing. I recommend every six to twelve months.

The benefits of a dental radiograph examination:
                                                    -small areas of decay between the teeth
                                                            -Developmental Abnormalities
                                                                    -Some types of tumors
                                                                    -Infection in the bone
                                                                     -Periodontal disease
                                                                      -Abscessed or cysts
                                                                  


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