Dental X-rays play a key role in oral health. They enable a dentist to review their patients’ oral health development and identify underlying problems related to the teeth, jaw, and soft tissues of the mouth. Plus, X-rays help a dentist provide an accurate diagnosis and determine the best course of action to treat oral health issues.
Many people wonder, are dental X-rays safe and how often can they be taken without risk? We’ll answer that clearly in the sections below.
The Super Dentists are concerned about your family’s dental and orthodontic care. And we’re also concerned about your safety, too! Since many parents ask us all the time about x-rays and are dental x-rays safe, we thought it would be a great idea to address the question here.
We also often hear questions like “how many dental X-rays are safe in a month?” especially from parents or patients who have frequent appointments. That’s why understanding the purpose and frequency of dental X-rays is so important.
But first, why are dental x-rays ordered in the first place? Which common (and not so common) dental or orthodontic conditions warrant dental X-rays?
TL;DR
Dental X-rays are safe when used responsibly and tailored to your individual needs. The Super Dentists follow strict guidelines, use low-radiation digital imaging, and educate patients every step of the way. Whether you’re wondering how many dental X-rays are safe in a month or during one visit, the key is clinical necessity.
Main Points:
- Dental X-rays help detect hidden oral health issues and guide treatment.
- Common types include bitewing, periapical, panoramic, and CBCT scans.
- Radiation exposure from dental X-rays is minimal and well below harmful levels.
- The number of safe X-rays depends on age, health, and treatment needs.
- Dentists only order X-rays when medically justified—not by routine.
- Tools like lead aprons and digital sensors further reduce radiation risk.
- Frequent X-rays, even within the same month, are typically safe if necessary.
- The Super Dentists use cutting-edge imaging technology for safety and precision.
- Parents often ask how many dental X-rays are safe in one day—the answer is, usually more than you’d think, as long as there’s a good reason.
- X-ray schedules vary by patient, not by a set timeline like every 6 months.
Which Conditions Require Dental X-Rays?
There are several other reasons why a dentist may recommend dental X-rays, too. These reasons include:
- Monitor Oral Health Injury Healing and Recovery: If a child or adult suffers a mouth injury, a dentist may use an X-ray to track the patient’s healing progress and ensure that he or she can make a full recovery.
- Identify Oral Infections: Dental cavities, gingivitis, and other oral infections are problematic. Thanks to an X-ray, a dentist is better equipped than ever before to identify an oral infection before it gets out of hand.
- Determine If an Orthodontic Treatment Is Necessary: A dentist sometimes uses an X-ray to determine whether to recommend an orthodontic treatment.
Because these conditions vary in complexity, patients sometimes wonder how many dental X-rays are safe in a month—especially if they’ve had several recent visits. Fortunately, dentists tailor X-ray frequency based on your specific needs and use modern low-dose imaging for added safety.
Not all dental X-rays are created equal. In fact, a dentist may recommend one or more of the following types of dental x-rays:
- Bitewing: Examine the crowns of the upper and lower teeth in one section of the mouth, identify cavities in tough-to-reach areas of the mouth and assess fillings.
- Periapical: Display a tooth from the crown to the root to examine one or two teeth for root problems, cavities, and oral health issues that affect the surrounding jaw bone.
- Panoramic: Show the entire mouth and is often used to track a child’s tooth development to determine if orthodontics is necessary.
- Occlusal: Illustrate the arch of the teeth from either the top or bottom jaw.
- Orthodontic: Depict the side of a child’s head.
- Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT): Provide a 3D view of the patient’s mouth to help a dentist assess the development and space of their teeth.
The best type of dental x-ray for identifying an issue depends on the unique situation. Different types of x-rays are used to diagnose different dental problems, and a combination of x-rays may be necessary to provide a comprehensive assessment.
In general, the two most common types of x-rays used in dentistry are bitewing and periapical x-rays. Bitewing x-rays are commonly used to diagnose cavities and evaluate the health of the teeth and gums.
They show the crown portions of the upper and lower teeth, and can detect decay between teeth, bone loss due to gum disease, and other dental problems.
Periapical x-rays are used to evaluate the entire tooth, from the crown to the root, and can diagnose issues such as abscesses, cysts, or impacted teeth. They are useful in assessing the overall health of the tooth structure and root and can help dentists plan for treatment.
Are Dental X Rays Safe?
X-rays emit some radiation, but according to the American Dental Association (ADA), radiation exposure due to dental X-rays is minimal in comparison to both human-made and natural radiation sources. Americans receive an average radiation dose of about 0.62 rem (620 mrem) annually, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission reports.
Meanwhile, the ADA notes that dental radiographs account for roughly 2.5% of the effective radiation dose received from all medical radiographs and fluoroscopies (medical X-ray imaging procedures).
That means the amount of radiation from dental X-rays is extremely low—especially when compared to things like CT scans or even everyday background radiation from the sun, soil, and buildings. Plus, dentists use lead aprons, thyroid collars, and high-speed film or digital sensors to minimize exposure even further.
So how many dental X-rays are safe in a month? For most healthy individuals, even multiple X-rays in a short time frame are considered safe if medically necessary. That said, your dentist will always weigh the benefit of the image against any risk and will only order X-rays when they’re truly needed.
Safety Guidelines & Precautions
X-ray technologies and methods vary in dental practices and medical offices across the United States. The Super Dentists use the latest technology at its six San Diego offices.
For example, the ADA promotes Image Gently, a national X-ray safety campaign that was launched in 2008. Image Gently encourages dentists and other medical professionals to limit radiation doses during pediatric medical imaging exams. It also offers the following X-ray safety guidelines for pediatric dental professionals:
- Use X-rays based on a patient’s needs, not as a routine
- Choose the fastest image receptor available
- Select Cone Beam CT only when necessary
- Focus the X-ray beam exclusively on the patient treatment area
- Provide a patient with a thyroid collar or shield during an X-ray procedure
- Limit X-ray exposure to a “child-size” dose
The ADA is one of more than 80 healthcare organizations to promote Image Gently. But as of today, there are no standard X-ray safety guidelines for all U.S. dental practices and medical offices.
This means the amount of radiation exposure from an X-ray may vary between dental and medical procedures. It also means the amount of radiation exposure from an X-ray may differ based on where a patient goes for dental or medical treatment.
According to the ADA’s own records, a person in good health with lowered risk of dental disease can have dental X-rays taken every 24 to 36 months. This figure varies with the patient’s age, and rest assured The Super Dentists take every precaution to promote a healthy smile for every patient. This includes optimal scheduling for all dental X-rays.
We always follow the latest safety recommendations, but we also go a step further—educating parents and patients about what to expect and why an X-ray is being taken. It’s not just about technology; it’s about trust. Our goal is to balance safety, clarity, and effective care with every image we capture.
How Many Dental X-Rays Are Safe in a Month?
The amount of dental x-rays that are considered safe in a month depends on various factors, such as the age of the patient, their medical history, and the type of x-ray being taken.
In general, the amount of radiation exposure from dental x-rays is relatively low and is considered safe for most people. The American Dental Association recommends that dentists use clinical judgment to determine the frequency of x-rays for each individual patient, considering their specific needs and risks.
For most adults, dental x-rays are typically recommended once every 24 to 36 months for routine check-ups. However, in certain cases, such as for patients with a history of dental problems or those undergoing orthodontic treatment, more frequent x-rays may be necessary.
If you’re receiving multiple x-rays in a short period, like within the same month, your dentist is doing so with a specific diagnostic reason in mind. It’s always safe to ask why—and we’re always happy to explain.
Are X-Rays Used to Find Impacted Teeth?
An X-ray can help in identifying impacted teeth by producing an image of the teeth and jaws that show the position, size, and shape of the impacted tooth.
When a tooth is impacted, it means that it is trapped below the gum line, and it has not emerged fully or at all. The impacted tooth can cause pain, swelling, and other dental problems, and it may require extraction or surgical intervention to resolve the issue.
To identify impacted teeth, dentists typically use panoramic X-rays or cone beam CT scans, which provide a complete view of the teeth and jaws. These images allow the dentist to visualize the impacted tooth and determine its position and orientation in relation to the other teeth and surrounding structures.
The X-ray can also reveal any potential complications that may arise due to the impacted tooth, such as infections or damage to adjacent teeth.
It’s important that you don’t wait on issues like this due to fears over the level of radiation. The amount of radiation you’ll undergo is not worse than leaving your oral health issues unanswered.
For patients wondering how often X-rays like these are needed, the answer depends on your unique situation. If you’re monitoring impacted teeth over time, your dentist may recommend periodic imaging—but rest assured, they’ll avoid unnecessary exposure.
Even if you’re receiving multiple views in a short span, the radiation from dental X-rays remains extremely low. Dentists always consider patient safety and will only take X-rays when it’s the best and most appropriate tool for diagnosis or treatment planning.
How Do Super Dentists Handle Patient X-Rays?
At The Super Dentists of San Diego, we strive to provide safe, effective dental care for both children and adults. As part of our commitment to our patients and their health and well-being, we use state-of-the-art X-ray technologies to help protect kids and adults from radiation exposure. Are dental X-rays safe?
They certainly are at The Super Dentists! At our offices, we think every dental visit should be as extraordinary as your child, and this includes sensible, as-needed dental X-rays.
Our zero- and no-radiation cavity detection technologies allow us to use autofluorescence to identify cavities and tissue damage in the mouth. They help us accurately detect dental issues and provide an instant diagnosis of cavities and cracks in the teeth. Then, if we identify an oral health problem, we can treat only the diseased area accordingly.
The Super Dentists provides digital, panoramic, and cephalometric X-rays as well. Our digital X-rays are instantaneous, and our X-ray results can be shared with medical caregivers worldwide. Whereas the average dental office’s bitewing or posterior-anterior (PA) X-rays emit 0.5 mrem of radiation, our digital X-rays emit approximately 0.08 mrem of radiation.
Comparatively, our panoramic and cephalometric X-rays are used for orthodontic treatments. They provide 2D images of a patient’s mouth and jaw, as well as help us diagnose a patient’s oral health problems and map out a personalized treatment plan. That way, we can best help a patient achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Why Does It Feel Like Dentists are Always Pushing X-rays?
The Super Dentists only perform dental X-rays when they are absolutely necessary, and we protect our patients by having them wear a lead apron to protect their organs against the minimal radiation exposure during the X-ray.
We will quickly and safely perform X-rays, review the results, and offer a treatment recommendation based on our findings. If a patient has any concerns or questions before or after an X-ray procedure, just ask your dental technician.
We understand that to some patients, it might feel like X-rays are recommended a little too often—but there’s a reason behind every scan. Dental X-rays give us the ability to detect what can’t be seen with the naked eye.
Cavities between teeth, infections, bone loss, and impacted teeth are all hidden threats that can progress silently. X-rays help us catch problems early before they become painful or expensive to fix. Our goal isn’t to overprescribe—it’s to protect your health through personalized, preventive care.
How Often Is It Safe to Get Dental X-Rays?
How many dental X rays are safe in one day? The answer is that even multiple dental X-rays in one visit are considered safe for most patients. Modern dental imaging uses very low levels of radiation, and dentists take every precaution to limit exposure.
How many X-rays are safe in a month depends on your individual treatment plan, but most people will never need more than a few in that timeframe—if any. Even patients undergoing extensive procedures are well within safe limits when imaging is spaced out and properly justified by clinical needs.
If you visit the dentist regularly, you might wonder: is it safe to get dental X rays every 6 months? For routine check-ups, that’s typically the recommended frequency for bitewing X-rays, especially for children, teens, and adults prone to cavities. If your teeth and gums are healthy, your dentist may take them even less often.
The key is that dental X-rays aren’t given on a fixed schedule—they’re based on your specific oral health needs. Your dentist will always weigh the benefits of imaging against the risk and keep radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable.
The Bottom Line on Dental X-Ray Safety
A child’s safety is a parent’s top priority. However, dental practices use different X-ray technologies that emit varying amounts of radiation.
At The Super Dentists, the health and well-being of our patients guide our day-to-day efforts. We understand the radiation exposure dangers associated with X-rays, and to combat these risks, we deploy the latest X-ray technologies. Our team takes the maximum precautions to keep patients safe during X-ray procedures and performs X-rays on an as-needed basis.
We take into consideration X-ray frequency, family dental history, and other crucial factors to ensure each patient is comfortable with their treatment and we help our patients weigh the pros and cons of X-ray procedures so they can make an informed decision based on their personal needs.
The Super Dentists is all about safety – and giving each patient an extraordinary experience every time they visit our office. Come see why 1 in every 5 kids in San Diego is a Super Dentists kid!
Dental X-rays may seem complicated at first, but The Super Dentists is happy to help patients understand X-rays and X-ray safety. If you’re worried about the safety of dental x-rays, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. If you need more information related to the question, “are dental X-rays safe,” don’t hesitate to contact us.
To find out more about our dental X-rays or to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists, please contact us today at 1 (855) GO SUPER, or text The Super Dentists at 1 (844) 765-1234. You can also schedule your exam, including x-rays online.
If you’re ready to take positive steps toward ensuring your child has optimal dental health, you can schedule an appointment today!
