1. Rays of Light
X-rays were accidentally discovered in 1895 by a physicist playing around with different types of light. He realized he was looking right through his hand, seeing his finger bones surrounded by shadowy lights. Of course, over the years X-rays keep improving. Physicists now know that X-rays are forms of energy that travel in waves. Dentists get invaluable information from full mouth X-rays.
2. Shed Light on Mouth Problems
Dental X-rays show your dentist many things. Tooth decay, of course, shows up on dental X-rays, but full mouth X-rays show lots of other conditions. You may have a crack in one of your existing tooth fillings that only shows up on X-rays. Cracks in fillings require repair to avoid further tooth decay. Infections in teeth or dead nerves may show up on dental X-rays, as can gum disease and bone loss associated with gum disease. Tooth decay hiding under one of your fillings may also show up. On a more serious note, cysts and mouth cancer may be exposed with full mouth X-rays.
3. Children and Adults Need Them
Children need full mouth X-rays periodically. Your dentist may need to evaluate questionable signs of growth and development during some dental check-ups. If your dentist suspects that braces are in your child's future, he must plan and prepare for placement. Sometimes this involves pulling teeth, so full mouth X-rays provide valuable help. Older people need full mouth X-rays when dentures may be necessary. Full mouth X-rays provide views showing several different angles of every tooth. Full mouth X-rays also show tips of roots, gums and bones.
4. Unhealthy Teeth Require More X-Rays
Most dentists require full mouth X-rays the first time you visit their office as a new patient. This is because they need a "road map" to go by in examining your mouth. People 25 years old and over may have full mouth X-rays every 3 to 5 years. If you struggle with gum disease, you may need full-mouth X-rays every 2 years until it's under control. Some conditions may require full-mouth X-rays every 6 months to 2 years until the condition is controlled. Every 5 years may be enough for controlled conditions and people who have not experienced dental problems. However, how often you need full mouth X-rays depends on how well you care for your teeth at home and how often you have professional dental cleanings.
5. Don't Worry About Occasional X-Rays
Over the years, concerns come up periodically about the safety of X-rays, particularly regarding full mouth X-rays. This is because so many films are taken with full mouth X-rays (at least 14 views in most dental offices). The concern is unnecessary exposure to radiation. You don't want full mouth X-rays at every dental check-up, of course. But experts say that the amount of radiation exposure is so minimal, there's no significant risk in occasional mouth X-rays.
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