How often do you get dental x-rays?

[DevaMajka]

How often is ideal? How often is acceptable?

I went to the dentist today, and they said it was time for x-rays again. The last x-rays were probably 2ish years ago. It seemed really soon to do x-rays again.

I declined, for financial reasons and because the radiation didn't seem necessary. Should I do it next time, or wait a while longer?

[EricaDoula]

I get x-rays once a year. I get my teeth cleaned 3-4 times a year.

[dentmom]

It depends on the patient. If this is someone that is low-risk, I have no problem waiting 1.5-2 years. however, I have had some pts who are such a mess everytime they come in I would like to do bitewings every 6 months.

[earthmama369]

It varies in our family. I rolled a win on the enamel genes. If I get a cleaning and x-rays once every few years, I'm good. I get a cleaning every 6 months when I remember, and x-rays every 2-3 years. I brush once a day and floss when I remember. No cavities yet.

My youngest has sensory issues. He hasn't had any x-rays yet. We're having a good day if he'll let the dentist look inside his mouth. Luckily, it looks like he takes after me in dental structure.

My oldest rolled the crap shoot on enamel genes and gets cavities between her teeth no matter what we do. (It turns out the same genetic enamel defect runs in both my family and dh's...she got a double whammy.) So she gets a cleaning and full x-rays every 3 months. It's not what I would have chosen for her under normal circumstances, but we're not dealing with normal circumstances. Our previous dentist didn't see the need to see her every 3 months and she ended up in the hospital under general anesthesia for 4 hours of surgery to repair the damage he caused by not staying on top of her dental issues. She was only 4.

DH has ok teeth. He's got the same issue dd does, but not as bad. Cleanings every 6 months and x-rays once a year keep him in good shape.

[sunnysandiegan]

Depends on family member and their dental "issues" and our family finances.

DD, age 8, just had her first set of (digital) xrays last month. Previous dental cleanings/exams involved a digital camera placed inside her mouth. She has very healthy teeth with zero issues.

DH has okay teeth (some cavities/fillings, but no other dental work), but had early periodontal disease and ignored it for several years. He spent a year seeing the dentist every 3 months while they worked on his gum issues (root planing and such). He generally gets bitewings every six months and full xrays once a year, but had those a few extra times recently. Now, he needs 1-2 of those fillings replaced with crowns and the dentist wants to replace the other 2-3 amalgams with composites. (His company used to cover his dental care insurance 100%, but now they no longer offer dental at all. Neither DD nor I were covered at all on the company plan.)

I opted for once a year cleanings/exams/xrays in the last few years since they've been digital xrays and I had previously refused all xrays for awhile, except under certain circumstances. I don't necessarily think digital xrays are WAY better, but the timing was such that it was the best course of action recently.

[DevaMajka]

good to know!
I'll get them done next time then

[dawncayden]

I do them about every 2 years.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

I think once a year is what they do here but I hadnt been to the dentist in 10 years up until last year and had the single x rays and the full facial x ray then. If I have tooth trouble I will get a new one as needed.