Why Do I Need Routine Dental X-Rays?

Visiting the dentist is about more than just cleanings and checkups. One of the most important parts of protecting your oral health is getting regular dental X-rays. X-rays help your dentist spot issues that aren’t visible during a normal exam. Without X-rays, many of these problems can go unnoticed until they become painful or harder to treat.

At Drs of Smiles in Mesa, Arizona, Dr. Glenn LeSueur uses advanced digital imaging to catch dental problems early, often before you feel anything wrong. Dr. LeSueur has trained at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and brings years of experience to every visit. That includes knowing when X-rays are necessary and how to keep the process as comfortable as possible for you.

How Often Do I Need X-Rays?

It depends on your age, dental history, and overall oral health. Most adults with a healthy mouth need X-rays once a year. If you’re a new patient or haven’t had dental care in a while, Dr. LeSueur may recommend a full set to establish a baseline.

Children and teens might need them more often since their mouths are still developing. If you’ve had gum disease, multiple fillings, or recent dental surgery, you may also need X-rays more frequently to monitor your progress.

What Do X-Rays Find That Dentists Can’t See?

Even the most thorough visual exam has its limits. X-rays let us see what’s happening beneath the surface, where many dental issues begin. They can reveal:

• Decay between teeth: Small cavities that aren’t visible during an exam
• Infections at the root: Often painless at first, but serious if left untreated
• Bone loss from gum disease: Helps us track progression and plan treatment
• Impacted teeth or cysts: Common with wisdom teeth or unexplained jaw pain
• Changes beneath existing fillings or crowns: Early signs of damage or decay

By spotting these problems early, we can treat them quickly, preserve your natural teeth, and help you avoid bigger procedures down the road.

Let’s Keep Your Smile Healthy

If it’s been a while since your last set of X-rays, now’s a great time to get caught up. Call Drs of Smiles in Mesa at 480-834-6991 to schedule your appointment today.