If you’ve ever wondered why your dental visit includes X-rays, you’re not alone. While we can learn a lot just by looking inside your mouth, some of the most important parts of your teeth and jaw are hidden beneath the surface — and that’s where dental X-rays come in.

At Desert Sage Family Dental, we use digital X-rays as a vital tool to keep your mouth healthy, catch problems early, and create personalized care plans just for you. Here’s what you need to know:

What Kind of X-Rays Do We Take?

Full Mouth Series (FMX)

When you’re a new patient — or about every five years — we take a full mouth series (FMX). This includes 18 images that give us a comprehensive view of:

• All of your teeth
• The roots and supporting bone
• Sinus areas

This series allows us to evaluate for:

• Cavities between and beneath the teeth
• Bone loss and gum disease
• Calculus (tartar) buildup above or below the gumline
• Infections or abscesses
• Impacted teeth or unusual anatomy

Think of an FMX as a complete map of your mouth — a crucial baseline for your dental care.

Annual Check-Up X-Rays

Once a year, during your regular check-up, we take 6 images to monitor your oral health:

• 4 bitewings (images of the back teeth)
• 2 anterior X-rays (front teeth – top and bottom)

These X-rays help us:

• Detect cavities early, especially in areas we can’t see during a visual exam
• Monitor gum health and bone levels
• Keep an eye on existing dental work

By catching issues early, we can treat them before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems.

Are X-Rays Safe?

Yes. Dental X-rays use very low levels of radiation, and we always take precautions — such as using lead aprons and digital sensors — to minimize your exposure. The benefits of early detection and accurate diagnosis far outweigh the minimal risk.

Bottom Line

X-rays are an essential part of preventive dental care. They allow us to see what’s happening below the surface and help us protect your smile for the long run.

Have questions about your X-rays or what we’re looking for? Just ask. We’re always happy to walk you through the process — because at Desert Sage Family Dental, we truly dental care about you.