Do I Really Need Dental X-Rays Every Year?

Dr. Sumbul Naqvi • August 6, 2025

At Atlantis Dental, one of the most common questions we hear is: “Do I really need dental X-rays every year?” The answer depends entirely on your individual oral health and risk level.

Understanding Risk Levels

If you're someone who has:


- A history of cavities
- Signs of gum disease
- Lots of prior dental work (such as crowns, bridges, or implants)
- A full-mouth reconstruction

Then yes — you’re considered high risk, and we recommend dental X-rays every 6 months to catch issues before they turn into bigger problems.



For our patients with low risk (no history of cavities, healthy gums, and minimal dental work), X-rays may only be needed once a year — or even once every 18 months.

Why Are X-Rays So Important?

X-rays allow us to spot infections, cavities between the teeth, and bone loss early — often before you feel any symptoms. They’re an essential tool for protecting your smile and making sure previous dental work is holding up properly.

What We Recommend

At Atlantis Dental, we take a customized approach. Most patients benefit from yearly X-rays, but if you're high risk, we may recommend them more often. Rest assured, we only take them when truly needed and always use modern digital X-rays that emit extremely low radiation.


Watch our quick explainer video:




If you’re unsure whether you’re due for X-rays or have questions about your dental health, call us today at (508) 270-5050. We’re here to help you smile with confidence!

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