Why Do You Take X-Rays Every Year?

Different Types Of X-Rays

The frequency that you have x-rays taken in your dentist’s office depends on the type of x-rays that your dentist will order to be taken. 

Dental x-rays can be divided into two types: intraoral (inside the mouth) and extraoral (outside the mouth). Below are the most common types of intraoral dental x-rays:

• Bitewing (BW): Bitewing x-rays are taken on the sides of the mouth to capture the teeth in the back of the mouth on both the upper and lower jaws. It is used to examine bone structure and decay in teeth.  These are known as checkup x-rays. These are usually done every 6 months to a year.

• Periapical (PA): A periapical x-ray focuses on one or two specific teeth, capturing the entirety of the tooth from the tip of the root (apex) to the crown. Periapical x-rays are usually used to examine the root of the tooth or the surrounding bone structure. These are usually done as check up x-rays on the front teeth. These are usually taken when there is a particular tooth problem.

• Full Mouth (FMX)- These are usually done at the initial appointment with the dentist to capture the entire mouth. Then done again about every 3-5 years depending on the insurance.  The FMX allows the dentist to do a complete evaluation of the bone, teeth and check for any malformations or growths. 

Common types of extraoral x-rays include: 

• Panoramic: In order to take a panoramic x-ray, the machine makes a complete circle around the patient’s head. This produces an image that encompasses the entirety of the upper and lower jaw. This image is used to determine which teeth are present in the mouth, to examine bone structure, usual growths and to examine the positioning of the wisdom teeth.

• Cone Beam CT Scan: Much like the panoramic x-ray, the machine turns around the patient’s head, but a cone beam CT machine produces three dimensional images of the examined area. These intelligent images are used to examine bone density and health, to plan for dental surgery, to detect or evaluate tumors or growths, to plan for dental implant placement, and much more.

When you begin treatment at a new dental office, it’s likely that your dentist will order that a full mouth series of x-rays be taken. This usually includes a panoramic, four bitewings, and at least ten periapical images. This is done in order to evaluate the entire mouth; with these images, your dentist can examine how many teeth are present and the condition of the teeth in order to form a comprehensive treatment plan.

When proper precautions are taken and when spaced out strategically, having dental x-rays taken is completely safe. Give us a call anytime to get scheduled for your check up and x-rays here in our San Jose dental office.