Let’s be honest—no one looks forward to dental X-rays. They’re not the most comfortable, and if your teeth feel fine, it might be tempting to skip them altogether. However, those quick images do a lot more than people realize, and skipping them can allow minor oral health problems to remain hidden until they become big, expensive ones. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you should know.

Why X-Rays Matter

Dental X-rays let us see what’s going on beneath the surface, in the places your toothbrush, mirror, and even our eyes can’t reach. Our dental service team is looking for things like:

Cavities forming between teeth
Infections or abscesses near the root
Bone loss that could signal gum disease
Wisdom teeth that aren’t coming in right
Changes in the jaw that could affect your bite or alignment

Pain is usually the last sign that something’s wrong. By the time you notice it, the issue may already require significant attention. X-rays give us a chance to catch things early, when treatment is still simple and more affordable.

What Can Happen If You Skip Them

Here’s what we often see when people go too long without X-rays:

A cavity goes unnoticed until it spreads deeper and reaches the nerve.
An infection simmers quietly, causing bone damage before any symptoms appear.
A wisdom tooth crowds the rest, pushing everything out of alignment.
A small issue gets missed and becomes a bigger one the next time you come in.

We’re not saying this to scare you. We just want you to understand the “why” behind what we do. X-rays are part of a larger picture: keeping your mouth healthy and preventing avoidable problems down the line.

What About the Radiation?

Thanks to digital X-rays, the exposure is very low, less than what you’d get from a short flight or a day out in the sun. We only take X-rays when they’re necessary, and we follow all safety guidelines to keep you protected.

So, How Often Do You Need Them?

It depends. For most healthy adults, we recommend bitewing X-rays (the kind that checks for cavities between teeth) once a year. A complete set is usually done every 3–5 years. If you’ve had a lot of dental work or you’re at higher risk for issues like gum disease or decay, we may need to take them more often.

If you’re ever unsure, please don’t hesitate to ask. Our exceptional dental care team will be happy to explain our recommendations and the reasons behind them.

If You Think You’re Due for Dental X-Rays, Contact a Charleston Dentist at Tatum Dentistry

Dental X-rays aren’t just a box to check but a tool that helps us protect your smile. If it’s been a while since your last set, or if you’ve been putting them off, now’s a good time to check in. Our local dentist office keeps it quick, makes it as comfortable as possible, and only recommends what you genuinely need.

Ready to schedule your next visit? Reach out to our dental medicine team anytime—we’re here to help you stay ahead of the game.