Dental x-rays are an important part of routine dental care for both adults and children. Not only do dental x-rays reveal potential problems with erupting teeth in children, they can also disclose possible problems caused by hidden plaque before they are seen on the surface of teeth. In addition to detecting common problems such as decay in between teeth and under dental restorations, x-rays also play a role in revealing periodontal disease (gum disease), and other conditions such as osteoporosis, bone infections and impacted teeth. As we may be aware of the importance of visiting a dentist for regular dental examinations, many patients are leery of having the routine recommended dental x-rays taken. Without the aid of x-rays, dentists must rely on a visual examination of teeth, which may not reveal hidden problems beneath the tooth surface. As part of a routine dental check up, a “full mouth” series of x-rays is suggested every 3-5 years. Check up films, or commonly known as “bite wing x-rays”, are suggested once per year. After a review of the dental, medical history, and clinical exam, your dentist may be required to take additional images, which show the crown and root of individual teeth if a problem is suspected. With the latest technology at our fingertips, the exposure to radiation with the use of digital radiography has significantly decreased. With use of digital sensors, collimation (x-ray techniques and equipment that prevent the scattering of radiation to other parts of the body), the exposure to radiation has been reduced by a factor of one hundred or more. Dental radiation is very low and is performed in a controlled environment, and although the effect of radiation exposure is cumulative, having a full set of dental x-rays is roughly equal to 30 minutes of sun exposure. As one can see, the amount of exposure from your dental x-rays will never build up enough to cause you harm. Keeping up with regular dental visits and x-rays for the detection of disease far outweighs any risk of having dental x-rays performed.