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At our practice, diagnostic x-rays are an essential part of providing safe, accurate, and high-quality dental care. They allow our clinical team to detect issues that are not visible during a routine exam and ensure that any problems are addressed early—before they become more serious or costly to treat.
Why X-Rays Are Necessary
Our policy follows the American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines, which recommend:
- A full-mouth series and/or panoramic x-ray every 3–5 years
- Bitewing x-rays every year
These diagnostic images help us identify:
- Tooth decay (cavities) between teeth or under fillings
Infections or abscesses - Bone loss related to periodontal (gum) disease
- Fractured or compromised teeth
- Cysts, tumors, and other abnormalities
- Changes in bone that may indicate broader health issues
Without periodic x-rays, these conditions may go undetected, which can lead to:
- Serious jaw infections
- Tooth loss
- Bone destruction
- Increased treatment needs and costs
Our Office Policy
To maintain the highest standard of care and ensure your safety:
- We require current diagnostic x-rays within the last 24 months to continue providing treatment.
- If your most recent x-rays are older than 24 months, updated images must be taken before your appointment can proceed.
This requirement applies even if you are not experiencing symptoms, as many dental problems develop without pain.
Exceptions
We recognize that certain medical situations may warrant delaying or modifying x-ray exposure. Case-by-case exceptions may be considered for:
- Pregnancy
- Medications or treatments that affect radiation sensitivity
- Specific underlying medical conditions
- Situations determined appropriate by the dentist
Please notify our team of any medical concerns so we can determine the safest plan for your care.
X-Ray Safety
Dental x-rays expose patients to very low levels of radiation, and the risk of harmful effects is extremely small. Modern digital imaging significantly reduces exposure compared to older technology, and our equipment and protocols are designed to minimize exposure even further.
Key points regarding x-ray safety:
- Radiation levels are very low and considered safe for patients of all ages.
- Modern dental imaging uses far less radiation than in the past due to technological advancements.
- National organizations—including the American Dental Association, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, and American Association of Physicists in Medicine—now support discontinuing routine lead apron/thyroid shielding, as these can block the x-ray beam and lead to retakes (which increases exposure).
- Shielding may still be used in some offices based on local regulations or clinical judgment.
- Our team carefully positions and aligns the x-ray beam to ensure the clearest image with the lowest possible dose.
If you ever have questions or would like more information about x-ray safety, our team is always happy to explain the process and address your concerns.
Further Resources
For more information on dental x-rays, radiation safety, and best practices, you may find the following resources helpful:
- American Dental Association:
X-Rays / Radiographs - RadiologyInfo (by ACR & RSNA):
X-Ray Safety Information
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this policy or how it applies to your care, please ask our front-desk team or speak with your dentist. We are committed to clear communication and your safety.
