How often should dental radiographs (x-rays) be taken?
Dental radiographs are an important aid of the diagnosis aspect of your child’s examination. Not only do dental radiographs check for “hidden” cavities between the teeth, they are used to check for tooth and jaw development, periodontal (gum) disease and more serious conditions of the teeth and jaws. Dr. Darrow and Dr. Morris generally follow the American Dental Association’s guidelines for taking radiographs. For a child with a low risk of cavities this means radiographs generally every year to year and a half with a developmental radiograph series taken in the middle childhood years. If your child demonstrates a very low cavities history into the teenage years, the frequency interval of radiographs is increased to every two years. Please bear in mind that the need for radiographs is determined on an individual basis. We make every effort to minimize radiation exposure for your child. This means that lead shielding, high speed films and qualified staff (to minimize retakes) will be em
