Dental Xrays Advisory

How Often Should Teeth Be X-Rayed?

The frequency of getting Dental X-rays often depends on your medical and dental history and current condition. Some people may need Dental X-rays as often as every six months; others with no recent dental or gum disease and who visit their dentist regularly may get X-rays only every couple of years. If you are a new patient, your dentist may take Dental X-rays as part of the initial examination and to establish a baseline record from which to compare changes that may occur over time.

Some general guidelines your dentist may follow regarding the frequency of dental X-rays is as follows:

Dental X-Ray Schedule for Children, Adolescents, and Adults

	New patients	Repeat patient, high risk (decay is present)	Repeat patient, no decay, not at high risk for decay	Current or history of gum disease	Other comments
Children (before eruption of first tooth)	X-rays if the teeth are touching and all surfaces cannot be visualized or probed	X-rays taken every 6 months until no decay is present	X-rays taken every 12 to 24 months if the teeth are touching and all surfaces cannot be visualized or probed	X-rays of areas where disease is seen in the mouth	X-rays to check for growth and development are usually not indicated at this age
Adolescents (before eruption of wisdom teeth)	A full series of X-rays is indicated when there is evidence of dental disease or history of extensive decay.	X-rays taken every 6 to 12 months until no decay is present	X-rays taken every 18 to 36 months	X-rays of areas where disease is seen in the mouth	X-rays should be taken to check for development of wisdom teeth
Adults with teeth	A full series of X-rays is indicated when there is evidence of dental disease or history of extensive decay.	X-rays taken every 12 to 18 months	X-rays taken every 24 to 36 months	X-rays of areas where disease is seen in the mouth	X-rays to check for growth and development are usually not indicated.
Adults without teeth	X-rays are usually not indicated unless specific dental disease is clinically present.