Adults with no apparent dental issues don't need dental x-rays annually. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), those who take proper care of their teeth and have no symptoms of oral disease or tooth decay can go two to three years between bite X-rays. However, the frequency of X-rays depends on your medical and dental history and the current condition of your mouth. Some people may need x-rays every six months.People who visit the dentist regularly and have excellent oral health may need x-rays only every three years or so.
If dental insurance pays for a certain number of x-rays over a certain period of time, dentists will give you as many x-rays as are allowed and paid for by your dental insurance. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that X-ray exams be performed when they can help diagnose, treat, and prevent gum problems and dental decay.In general, the amount of radiation you receive from dental x-rays is relatively small, especially compared to the radiation you receive from natural background sources.
A full x-ray of the mouth is approximately 24 Sieverts plus 8.5, to be averaged by X-ray multiplied by 6, it equals 51 Sieverts. To help dentists make these vitally important decisions, professional dental organizations publish general guidelines on when x-rays should be taken. In addition to minimizing exposure to X-rays, provincial regulations require dental offices to follow certain procedures when imaging is taken, such as placing lead aprons and neck collars on patients.It's important to note that long-term exposure to dental x-rays can put you at greater risk of suffering the adverse effects of radiation. Last year, after receiving a similar number of dental x-rays, one person developed a couple of skin cancers on the same side of their face that had to be removed.If you belong to the category described by the ADA as “an adult with good oral health and low risk of dental problems”, an X-ray every two or three years shouldn't be bad at all.
However, if you have any concerns about your oral health or if you experience any symptoms such as pain or sensitivity in your teeth or gums, it's best to consult with your dentist for advice.
