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How Often Should I Take Dental X-rays?

  • Writer: Dr. Pearl E. Whites
    Dr. Pearl E. Whites
  • 11 minutes ago
  • 2 min read

To better answer this we need to understand how fast cavities travel.

Progression of radiographic cavities

How Fast do Cavities Develop?

Teeth have 3 main layers. It takes about 1-2 years for a cavity to travel the thin hardened outer enamel layer before reaching the middle dentin layer, which is more wide and porous than enamel. A cavity in dentin takes half the time to travel that of the enamel! If the cavity pin-point pricks the hollow pulpal final layer that contains the blood vessels and nerves, the ONLY treatment at that point is root canal or tooth extraction.

Will I Know If I Have A Cavity?

Tooth pain from a cavity

A cavity in enamel does not often cause discomfort. The dentin layer is where it starts to be sensitive. It is possible that a cavity in dentin may never be sensitive to temperatures, sweets or biting until it is too progressed, which would demand more invasive treatment.

Do Cavities Grow At the Same Rate?

Cavity progression can be like the tortoise and the hare

Cavities on average take 3 years to go from the outside of the tooth to the pulp. However, we have seen cavities initially form and enter the pulp within a year while other cavities have laid stagnant for a decade! Those are exceptions rather than the rule.

How Often Should I Take Dental X-Rays?:

How frequently are dental x-rays needed?

Your dentist should be the deciding factor but if it were up to you to make a rational decision now knowing the progression of cavities, what would you choose? If you are not prone to getting cavities you could extend the frequency to every 1.5-3 years. If you are susceptible to cavities like most are, every 6-12 months would be wise.

Does Insurance Fully Cover X-rays? 

woman and a panoramic radiograph

Most insurance companies pay 100% of x-ray costs required for exams.

  • The initial exam consists of a full set of 18-20 x-rays called an FMX.

  • A periodic exam at each year mark is a partial set consisting of six x-rays called bitewings and PA’s.

  • An emergency exam takes x-rays as needed.

Every five years insurance usually pays for a new set of FMX and a panoramic radiograph (pano). Some insurances like a PPO or an out-of-network plan likely have the patient pay a nominal amount.

Our Dental Office Protocol:

Your current dental office may have a different protocol. Our guideline after the initial FMX is completed: every year thereafter, patients do a set of 6 x-rays while on the 5th year they take a new FMX. There are always exceptions but this is our recommendation.

Example of an FMX or initial dental x-rays. Should be taken every 5 years
example of a dental pano. Should be taken every 5 years






Periodic dental x-rays. 4 bitewings 2 PAs. Should be taken every year



X-rays still are not perfect with some ambiguity to them; however, a consistent schedule of x-rays helps minimize potential surprises.


Read this to see how safe or dangerous dental x-rays actually are.


**cavity is a misnomer. Cavities are holes in the teeth. Cavities begin as carious lesions or caries for short. These are not holes but manifest as a different color than your natural tooth and are the beginning of a “cavity.” Regardless of the name, x-rays are currently the best way to diagnose carious activity.

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