Are Dental X-Rays Safe and How Often Are They Needed?
“Do I really need dental X-rays?” and “Are they safe?” are two of the most common questions patients ask during checkups. It’s completely normal to wonder about radiation exposure and how often X-rays are actually necessary.
At 2nd Ave Family Dental in Durango, we use X-rays thoughtfully and only when they provide important information that we can’t see with a visual exam alone. This article explains why dentists recommend X-rays, how safe modern dental imaging is, and how often different patients typically need them.
What Dental X-Rays Show That We Can’t See Otherwise
Even with excellent lighting and magnification, some parts of your teeth and jaws simply aren’t visible during a regular exam. X-rays let your dentist see “between the teeth” and below the gumline, where many problems start.
Hidden cavities: X-rays reveal decay between teeth and under old fillings or crowns before it becomes painful or visible on the surface.
Bone health around teeth: Images help us evaluate the height and quality of the bone supporting your teeth, which is essential for diagnosing gum disease and planning treatment.
Infections and abscesses: Deep infections at the tip of roots are often only visible on X-rays, even when the tooth looks normal above the gumline.
Tooth and jaw development: For children and teens, X-rays show how permanent teeth are developing, whether teeth are impacted, and how the jaws are growing.
Without X-rays, your dental team would be working partly in the dark. Used appropriately, they are a key tool for early detection and conservative, prevention-focused care.
Watch: Understanding Dental X-Rays (Cavities, Infections & Terminology)
Video summary: Learn what you’re looking at on your dental X-rays, how dentists spot cavities or infections, and key terms that make X-ray reviews easier to understand.
Videos like this help explain what X-rays can reveal and why they’re so useful for catching hidden problems early.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Dental X-rays use a very small amount of radiation. With today’s digital technology and safety standards, the benefits of X-rays for diagnosis and early treatment generally far outweigh the risks for most patients.
Very Low Radiation Dose
Modern dental X-rays typically expose you to a fraction of the radiation used in older film-based systems. The amount is comparable to what you might receive from everyday sources in the environment over a short period of time.
Digital Imaging and Focused Beams
Digital sensors are highly sensitive, which allows us to use less radiation while still capturing clear images. Focused X-ray beams are directed only at the area being imaged, reducing exposure to surrounding tissues.
The ALARA Principle
Dental professionals follow the ALARA principle—“As Low As Reasonably Achievable.” That means taking X-rays only when they are likely to change diagnosis or treatment, and using the lowest exposure that still provides a useful image.
Watch: Are Dental X-Rays Safe? (Radiation, ALARA & Background Exposure)
Video summary: A clear explanation of ALARA, how dental radiation compares to everyday background radiation, and why X-rays are still an important part of preventive dentistry.
This reel reflects a common fear—that X-rays might cause cancer. In reality, dental X-rays are tightly controlled, used sparingly, and deliver very low doses compared with many other medical imaging tests.
How Dentists Protect You During X-Rays
In addition to using low-dose equipment, your dental team follows a number of safety steps every time an X-ray is taken.
Targeted imaging: We only X-ray the specific area we need to evaluate—such as the back teeth for cavity detection or a particular tooth that is causing symptoms.
Protective shielding when appropriate: Lead aprons and thyroid collars may be used to protect sensitive areas from scatter radiation, especially for children and pregnant patients when X-rays are necessary.
Modern equipment and regular maintenance: X-ray units are calibrated and maintained according to safety guidelines so they perform consistently within recommended limits.
Careful screening: Your medical history, medications, pregnancy status, and recent imaging are reviewed so we only take X-rays when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
Handheld digital units, like the one shown in this reel, allow the clinical team to stay close to you, capture clear images quickly, and streamline your visit—all while following the same strict safety standards.
How Often Do You Really Need Dental X-Rays?
There is no single X-ray schedule that works for everyone. Instead, your dentist recommends imaging based on your age, oral health, and risk factors. In general:
New patients: If you’re new to the office or it has been several years since your last X-rays, a more complete set of images may be taken to establish a baseline and check for hidden problems.
Healthy adults with low risk: If you have healthy gums, few or no cavities, and no symptoms, cavity-check (bitewing) X-rays might be recommended every 12–24 months, depending on your specific situation.
Higher-risk adults: Patients with a history of frequent cavities, gum disease, dry mouth, or certain medical conditions may benefit from X-rays more often so problems can be treated early.
Children and teens: Because their teeth and jaws are still developing, kids may need X-rays more frequently to monitor growth, check for cavities between teeth, and evaluate spacing or eruption patterns.
Your dentist will always consider what they already know about your mouth, how recently images were taken, and whether new X-rays are likely to change your treatment plan. If you’re ever unsure why X-rays are being recommended, it’s absolutely fine to ask.
Common Types of Dental X-Rays
Different X-rays serve different purposes. Understanding the basics can make it easier to follow along when your dentist reviews them with you.
Bitewing X-rays: Show the upper and lower back teeth together, making it easier to spot cavities between teeth and monitor bone levels in those areas.
Periapical X-rays: Focus on one or two specific teeth from crown to root, often used when there is pain, infection, or concern about deep decay or root problems.
Panoramic X-rays: Provide a broad view of the entire mouth in a single image, useful for evaluating wisdom teeth, jaw joints, and overall tooth development.
Specialized imaging: In some situations, your dentist may recommend advanced imaging (such as 3D scans) to plan implants, complex extractions, or other detailed procedures when appropriate.
Watch: Oral Radiology Basics (How X-Ray Machines Work)
Video summary: A fundamentals-focused overview of how X-rays work, the types of ionizing radiation, and how dental X-ray images are produced.
Modern imaging systems—like the one in this reel—give your dentist a detailed view of your teeth and supporting structures so they can plan precise, conservative treatment.
If you’d like to see how X-rays fit into a typical appointment, you can also read our article on Dental Cleanings & Exams.
Special Situations: Pregnancy, Medical Conditions, and More
There are times when we’re even more careful about when and how X-rays are used. Communication is key—always let your dental team know about major health changes.
Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, tell your dentist. Non-urgent X-rays are often postponed, but necessary emergency images can typically be taken with added shielding and precautions.
Chronic health conditions: Conditions such as diabetes or certain autoimmune diseases can increase risk for gum disease and infections. Carefully timed X-rays may be part of monitoring your oral health more closely.
History of head and neck radiation: If you have received radiation therapy in the past, your dentist will take that into account when planning imaging and may coordinate with your other healthcare providers as needed.
Our goal is always to balance the very real benefits of accurate diagnosis with a careful, individualized approach to radiation exposure.
Have Questions About Dental X-Rays? Talk with 2nd Ave Family Dental
If you’re unsure about why X-rays are being recommended—or it’s simply been a while since your last checkup—our team in Durango is here to help. We’ll review your history, explain what we’re looking for, and answer your questions in plain, honest language.
Whether you’re a brand-new patient or a long-time member of our dental family, you deserve to understand every step of your care, including when and why X-rays are part of the plan.
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