Our Houston dental practice believes preventive care is the best way to protect your oral health and keep your smile strong for life. One of the most common questions we hear from patients is: “Do I really need dental X-rays every visit?” The short answer is—it depends on your unique oral health needs.

We use digital imaging technology for advanced dental care in Spring, TX to make X-rays fast, safe, and comfortable for every patient.

Dental X-Rays Are Important

Dental X-rays allow us to see what the naked eye can’t. While visual exams catch surface issues, X-rays provide a comprehensive view beneath your gums and between your teeth—helping us detect problems before they become painful or expensive to repair.

X-rays can reveal:

  • Cavities hidden between teeth or under old fillings
  • Bone loss caused by gum disease
  • Infections or abscesses near the roots
  • Early signs of cysts or tumors
  • Wisdom teeth positioning or bite alignment concerns

Routine imaging helps ensure that your preventive dental care—like your routine exams and cleanings—keeps your teeth healthy and your smile confident.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Our patients often ask whether dental X-rays are safe, especially when they’ve had them taken for many years. The reassuring answer is yes—modern digital imaging makes the process safer, faster, and more accurate than ever before.

At Stephens & Gatewood Dentistry, we follow the ALARA principle—“as low as reasonably achievable.” That means we only take X-rays when they’re truly necessary, based on your oral health history and risk factors.

Digital X-rays use up to 90% less radiation than traditional film and deliver crisp, detailed images within seconds. We also use protective aprons and thyroid collars to ensure your comfort and safety at every visit.

Benefits of digital X-rays include:

  • Faster, more accurate results
  • No chemical processing or environmental waste
  • Easier image storage and comparison over time
  • More precise treatment planning and patient education

How Often Do You Really Need Dental X-Rays?

The frequency of your X-rays depends on your oral health, age, and history of dental problems. Some patients may need new images every six months, while others only need them every few years. We’ll always personalize your imaging schedule to your specific needs.

Low Cavity Risk

If your teeth and gums are healthy and you rarely experience decay, we may recommend bitewing X-rays (small images that show your back teeth) every 12 to 24 months. These check for cavities between teeth that can’t be seen during an exam.

History of Cavities or Gum Disease

If you’ve experienced more frequent dental issues, we may recommend additional imaging to monitor those areas closely. Patients with gum disease, large restorations, or bone loss may benefit from more frequent X-rays to prevent recurrence or progression.

These images help track bone levels and identify infection or inflammation early, which is key to maintaining strong, healthy teeth. If we detect early signs of gum inflammation, we might recommend gum disease treatment to restore and protect your oral health.

Children and Teens

Growing smiles need extra attention. Kids and teens often get X-rays more often because new teeth erupt, roots develop, and the risk of cavities is higher. These images help us ensure healthy growth and detect any early bite or spacing concerns before orthodontic treatment is needed.

New Patients

If you’re new to our office—or it’s been a few years since your last set—we’ll likely take a full set of images or a panoramic scan to create a baseline. This helps us evaluate your jaw, teeth, and bone health comprehensively and track changes over time.

Types of Dental X-Rays We Use

We use a few different kinds of X-rays, depending on what we need to see. Each one gives us a clear view of your teeth and jaw while keeping exposure to a minimum.

Bitewing X-Rays

These quick images focus on your back teeth and help us spot cavities that form between teeth or beneath old fillings.

Periapical X-Rays

These show the entire tooth—from crown to root—so we can check for hidden infections, cracks, or other issues below the gumline.

Panoramic X-Rays

This single, sweeping image gives us a complete look at your mouth. It helps us evaluate your jaw, wisdom teeth, and overall development with ease.

What Dental X-Rays Reveal Beneath the Surface

Even if your teeth feel fine, dental X-rays can uncover early warning signs that prevent more serious problems later. Some of the most common findings include:

  • Tiny cavities forming between teeth
  • Bone loss from early gum disease
  • Hidden infections or cysts near roots
  • Impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth
  • Structural problems affecting bite alignment

Catching these issues early makes treatment simpler, more comfortable, and more affordable.

What To Expect During X-Rays

Most dental X-rays take just a few minutes and are completely painless. Our friendly team will guide you through each step and ensure you’re comfortable.

Here’s what to expect:

  • You’ll bite down gently on a small sensor while the camera captures the image.
  • For panoramic X-rays, you’ll stand still for a brief rotating scan.
  • The digital image appears instantly on our monitor, allowing us to review it with you in real time.

We’ll show you what we see and explain any findings clearly, so you understand how each image supports your oral health plan.

How X-Rays Support Routine Dental Care

Digital X-rays are a vital part of preventive care because they enable us to act before small problems develop into major ones. By combining your imaging with routine exams and cleanings, we can help you prevent cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Our Houston dentists combine years of experience with advanced technology to ensure that every aspect of your care is proactive, precise, and personalized.

Together, we can keep your smile healthy with:

  • Early cavity detection and treatment planning
  • Preventive options like fluoride or sealants
  • Personalized guidance for brushing and flossing
  • Monitoring of restorations, crowns, and bone levels over time

When We May Delay or Adjust Your X-Rays

We understand that every patient’s situation is different. If you’ve recently had X-rays at another office, we can often use those images rather than retaking new ones. Likewise, if you have a low cavity risk or specific health concerns, we’ll adjust your imaging schedule accordingly.

We’ll always explain our recommendations and help you make an informed decision that feels right for you.

FAQs About Dental X-Rays

Most patients only need dental X-rays once a year, though some may need them more or less often depending on their oral health and risk factors. The process is quick and comfortable—digital X-rays take just a few minutes and produce instant results we can review together during your visit.

That’s understandable. Modern digital X-rays use up to 90% less radiation than traditional film and follow strict safety protocols, including protective aprons and thyroid collars, for your peace of mind.

Yes. Dental X-rays can reveal early signs of cysts, tumors, or bone changes that may not be visible during a regular exam. Detecting these early helps ensure prompt treatment and better outcomes.

Comfortable, Comprehensive Care in Spring, TX

At Stephens & Gatewood Dentistry, we’re committed to making preventive care simple, affordable, and stress-free. With two Spring, TX locations and a team of experienced Houston dentists, we make it easy to keep your smile healthy for life.

If you’d like to learn more about our imaging process or explore other ways to protect your teeth, you can also visit our patient education library or browse our full range of services.

Schedule Your Preventive Dental Visit

If it’s been more than six months since your last dental exam—or longer since your last set of X-rays—now’s the perfect time to get back on track. Our friendly team will tailor your care, answer your questions, and make your visit comfortable from start to finish.

Call our Cypresswood office at (281) 320-2000 or our Auburn Lakes location at (832) 843-6619 to schedule your next preventive appointment at Stephens & Gatewood Dentistry. Together, we’ll help you maintain a bright, healthy smile across Houston.