| X-Ray Frequency Guidelines Dentists use X-rays (also called radiographs) for many reasons. X-rays can help diagnose tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease. They allow the dentist to see the sizes and positions of teeth that haven't come in yet. X-rays also can show problems with fillings or crowns, and help your dentist plan for braces, dentures, implants or other kinds of dental work.
If you're wondering why your dentist wants you to have a certain type of X-ray, or how often you should have X-rays taken, check out the chart below. It's based on guidelines put out by the American Dental Association and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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Type of Person
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Type of Visit
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Children with only baby teeth
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Children with baby teeth and permanent teeth
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Adolescents with all permanent teeth but with unerupted wisdom teeth
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Adults with at least one tooth
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Adults with no teeth
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First visit
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Some patients may receive selected periapical and/or occlusal X-rays, plus bite-wing X-rays if the dentist cannot see between the back teeth |
Bite-wing X-rays with either a panoramicX-ray or selected periapical X-rays
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Bite-wing X-rays with either a panoramic X-ray or selected periapical X-rays, or a full-mouth intraoral X-ray exam |
Bite-wing X-rays with either a panoramic X-ray or selected periapical X-rays, or a full-mouth intraoral X-ray exam |
The type of X-ray depends on the individual |
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Return visit: No decay and no increased risk of decay
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May receive bite-wing X-rays every 1-2 years |
May receive bite-wing X-rays every 1-2 years |
Bite-wing X-rays every 18-36 months |
Bite-wing X-rays every 2-3 years |
Does not apply |
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Return visit: With decay or increased risk of decay*
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May receive bite-wing X-rays every 6-12 months |
May receive bite-wing X-rays every 6-12 months |
May receive bite-wing X-rays every 6-12 months |
Bite-wing X-rays every 6-18 months |
Does not apply |
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Return visit: With periodontal disease
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Depends on the individual |
Depends on the individual |
Depends on the individual |
Depends on the individual |
Does not apply |
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Any visit, for monitoring growth and development
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Depends on the individual |
Depends on the individual |
Usually will have X-rays taken to assess the wisdom teeth (third molars) |
No, not usually |
No, not usually |
*Who is at increased risk of decay? The following factors are just some things that increase risk:
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Having a history of decay
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Having many fillings and/or crowns
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High levels of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth
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Poor oral hygiene
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Restorations (fillings, crowns) that are old or poorly placed
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Inadequate fluoride exposure
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Prolonged nursing (bottle or breast)
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High sugar/starch content in the diet
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Family history of poor dental health
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Eating disorders
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Enamel defects in the teeth
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Developmental or other disability
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Dry mouth (xerostomia)
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Genetic abnormality of teeth
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Chemotherapy or radiation therapy involving the mouth or salivary glands
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Drug or alcohol abuse
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Irregular dental care
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