If you've ever asked yourself whether dental X-rays are really necessary, you're not alone. Many patients wonder about the purpose of X-rays, especially when everything seems fine on the surface. But at BU Dental in Pleasant Hill, we want you to know that X-rays aren’t just routine—they’re a critical tool in keeping your smile healthy and catching potential issues before they become more serious or more expensive to fix.

Even with the most thorough visual exams, there are many things your dentist simply can’t see without digital imaging. That’s where X-rays come in. They allow us to look beneath the surface of your teeth and gums, giving us insights that help guide personalized, preventive care.

What Can X-Rays Detect?

X-rays are used for far more than checking for cavities. Some of the conditions and concerns we can identify with dental X-rays include:

• Decay between the teeth or under old fillings
• Bone loss from gum disease or infection
• Developing or impacted wisdom teeth
• Infections at the root of a tooth
• Damage beneath crowns or restorations
• Issues related to orthodontic alignment
• Bone health and structure for future dental implant placement

In fact, before any treatment involving surgical procedures—such as a tooth being removed or planning for an implant—our team always uses X-rays to ensure a safe and successful result.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Absolutely. Modern dental technology has significantly reduced radiation exposure. At BU Dental, we use digital X-rays, which emit up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional film methods. In fact, you’re exposed to more radiation during a short flight than from one of our dental X-rays.

We also take extra precautions to protect you. Lead aprons and thyroid collars are provided to minimize exposure further, and we always evaluate whether an X-ray is truly necessary based on your individual health needs and dental history.

How Often Should You Get Dental X-Rays?

The frequency of dental X-rays depends on your age, dental health history, and current condition. For some patients, X-rays are only needed once a year. Others may require them more frequently, especially if they:

• Are prone to cavities
• Are in orthodontic treatment
• Have had gum disease or bone loss
• Are monitoring the position of wisdom teeth
• Are preparing for oral surgery or implant placement

For children, X-rays can help us track proper tooth development and spacing, and for adults, they allow us to monitor changes in bone levels and detect problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Why Skipping X-Rays Can Cost You

Delaying or avoiding dental X-rays may feel like a good way to save time or money, but it can actually lead to more complex issues down the line. Undetected decay, infections, or structural issues may continue to progress without symptoms until they become more difficult—and more expensive—to treat.

Let’s say you’re considering brightening your smile with teeth whitening or planning to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant. Before starting either treatment, we use X-rays to ensure your foundation is healthy. Likewise, if wisdom teeth are causing crowding or discomfort, we need imaging to determine if extraction is necessary.

X-rays help us plan safely and treat accurately, whether it’s for something cosmetic like smile whitening or functional like jaw discomfort that could benefit from injectable therapy.

Our Approach to Patient Care

At BU Dental, we believe in conservative, patient-focused dentistry. We don’t take unnecessary X-rays. But when imaging is recommended, it’s because it plays a direct role in protecting your long-term oral health.

Whether you’re a first-time patient, considering a dental implant, or preparing for an orthodontic consultation, we’re here to help you make confident, informed decisions.

Contact our dental office today to schedule your next visit. Together, we’ll take a closer look—so your smile stays healthy for years to come.