X-Rays & Routine Exams

Finding a new dentist can be a complicated process. After researching dentists near you, making sure that they accept your insurance, getting estimates for your exam, and reading all their reviews, we often forget about the entire point of that initial appointment. Your first appointment helps to establish you as a patient for that office and gets you familiar with a new staff and their general procedures. Your new dentist will likely want to complete an initial screening, review your medical history, and conduct an exam, which generally includes cleaning and x-rays.

X-Rays

The second part of your initial dental appointment will often include X-rays. X-rays use a low level of radiation that helps to capture images of the inside of your teeth.

These images are helpful in determining any problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye. X-rays can aid your dentist in diagnosing cavities, tooth decay or impacted teeth.

X-rays are typically performed at your first appointment and again when your dentist feels that you need them. Some factors that influence the frequency of imaging include:

• Age

• Current oral health

• History of gum disease

• Symptoms of oral disease
  
  

Children often receive more x-rays than adults due to their rapid growth and to make sure that their permanent teeth are developing appropriately.