As a study published on MDPI explains, the collection of microorganisms in the mouth, also called the "oral microbiome," consists of 700 known bacterial species. Some are good; for instance, they help break down food and aid digestion. Then, there are the "bad germs," wreaking havoc on your oral health without you even knowing until you experience painful tooth decay or gum disease.

The good news is that with routine dental X-rays, your dentist in Hampton, VA, can catch and address such problems before they worsen.

So, then, how often do you need dental X-rays? And why do you even need them in the first place?



The caring team of dental professionals at LeJeune Family Dentistry answers those questions in this guide, so please read on.

How Often Do You Need Dental X-Rays?

What Are the Importance and Benefits of Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays allow dentists to diagnose damage and diseases not visible during general dental exams. They help dentists determine whether their patients' teeth and gums are in top shape or if there's a potential or existing problem that requires attention. By identifying issues early, prompt treatment can follow, saving patients from the pain (and cost!) of worsening disease.

Here are some of the things that dental X-rays can reveal to your dentist in Hampton:

"Invisible" Tooth Decay

Tooth decay happens when plaque and tartar form on the teeth. The bacteria they contain produce acids that attack the enamel (the outermost layer of the tooth). The longer this happens, the more enamel erodes, resulting in a cavity.

Brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and getting regular professional dental cleanings are vital to preventing dental issues like tooth decay. However, this disease can sometimes occur inside the teeth, such as when existing tooth fillings crack and bacteria enter the gaps. A visual exam as part of a dental health routine check won't be enough to discover hidden decay, but an X-ray can.

Hidden Infections

An example of a "hidden" infection is periodontal (gum) disease, often progressing without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. According to NIH MedlinePlus, it's prevalent in the U.S. and affects over four in ten adults aged 30 and older. The longer it goes untreated, the more likely it is to cause an abscess (a build-up of pus) deep within the teeth or gums.

Gum disease and hidden infections can cause irreversible damage to bones and tissue and increase your risk for tooth loss. Moreover, some health conditions appear to have a link with oral health. Examples include endocarditis and heart disease.

All those potential problems should prompt you to get dental X-rays, especially if you haven't had one in a year or more. Through these diagnostic tools, you can determine if you have hidden mouth conditions that your family dentist in Hampton, VA, can treat immediately.

Impacted Teeth

Impacted teeth haven't fully erupted through the gum line and remain stuck in the gum tissue or jawbone. They may not come in properly if they grow at an incorrect angle or if the mouth has insufficient space. Either way, they can ultimately cause symptoms and problems such as:

• Swelling
• Discomfort or pain
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Trapping of food debris around the partially erupted tooth, which can increase the risk for decay (especially the hidden kind)
• Gum disease
• Abscesses

Not all impacted teeth require extraction. However, if your dentist discovers one through a dental X-ray that is very likely to cause problems, they may recommend its removal as a preventive dental service.

Bite Misalignment

Malocclusion, or bite misalignment, is when the upper arch of your teeth doesn't fit well with the lower arch with your mouth closed. It can occur when you have crooked or overcrowded teeth. It may also happen if your upper and lower jaws align incorrectly.

Malocclusion can be hereditary, but dental trauma and tooth loss can also cause it. If left untreated, it can adversely affect your smile and oral health by causing:

• Jaw pain
• Tooth erosion
• Gum injury and recession
• Impaired mouth functions (e.g., difficulty biting or chewing)
• Nutritional deficiencies due to impaired mouth functions
• Sleep apnea

The good news is that malocclusion is treatable. The exact treatment depends on the cause revealed by the dental X-ray your Hampton family dentist has taken. Based on the X-rays, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following:

• Orthodontic treatment like braces
• Restorative dentistry to repair damaged or replace missing
• Tooth extractions to address overcrowding

Bone Problems

There are many culprits behind jawbone loss, including gum disease and tooth loss. If left untreated, it can lead to: 

• Difficulty eating and speaking
• Facial pain
• Headaches
• Malnutrition
• Facial collapse



Dental X-rays are the primary way a highly skilled dentist diagnoses jawbone loss. If your dentist finds this on your scans, they may recommend dental implants or a bone graft. 

Ready for Dental X-Rays?

As you learned in this guide, there is no single answer to the question, "How often do you need dental X-rays?" It highly depends on your oral health, risk factors, and age.

What's for sure, though, is that dental X-rays play crucial roles in your oral and overall health. They can help your dentist identify and address hidden problems before they worsen.

If you need a dental X-ray and professional cleaning, we encourage you to visit our dental office in Hampton, VA, LeJeune Family Dentistry. Our highly experienced doctor, Dr. LeJeune, will use his 26 years of professional dental expertise to guide your oral health back on track.



Contact us today for a consultation, and remember to ask about our $99 New Patient Special!