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. | | | | |
No comments:
Post a Comment