Do I Really Need Dental X-Rays? Are They Safe?

At Hermitage Dental Practice, we understand that the idea of dental X-rays can raise a few eyebrows. You might be wondering: “Do I really need them?” or “Are they even safe?” These are great questions — and we’re here to clear things up.

What Are Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays (also known as radiographs) are diagnostic tools that allow your dentist to see what’s happening beneath the surface of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. While your dentist can spot many issues with the naked eye, X-rays help identify problems that are hidden — like cavities between teeth, infections, impacted teeth, or bone loss.

Why Might I Need Them?

Here at Hermitage Dental Practice, we only recommend X-rays when they’re genuinely necessary. Some common reasons include:

• Detecting decay between teeth

• Checking for bone loss from gum disease

• Assessing wisdom teeth or impacted teeth

• Planning treatments like braces, implants or dentures

• Monitoring the development of children’s teeth

We tailor our X-ray recommendations to your individual needs — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Yes, dental X-rays are very safe. The amount of radiation you're exposed to is extremely low — particularly with the digital X-rays we use at Hermitage Dental Practice. To put it in perspective:

A routine dental X-ray exposes you to less radiation than you'd receive during a short flight from London to Edinburgh.

Plus:

• We use digital imaging, which uses less radiation than traditional film.

• We follow all safety guidelines

  
  

What About Children or Pregnant Patients?

X-rays on children are completely safe and help us catch any issues early.

For pregnant patients, we typically postpone X-rays until after birth, unless absolutely necessary. If needed, they can still be carried out safely.

How Often Should I Have X-Rays?

Not everyone needs X-rays at every dental health review. It depends on your age, oral health, risk level, and dental history. For most adults with healthy teeth, X-rays may be recommended every 2 years. For those at higher risk (e.g. history of decay or gum disease), we may suggest them more often.

Your Health Comes First

At Hermitage Dental Practice, we follow a conservative, patient-first approach. We never take unnecessary X-rays, and we’re always happy to discuss why one might be recommended in your specific case.

If you ever have concerns — just ask. Your comfort and understanding are as important to us as your oral health.

Book Your Dental Health Review Today

If you haven’t had a dental health review recently, or if you’re experiencing any dental discomfort, get in touch with our friendly team. We’re here to keep your smile healthy, safe, and well-informed — every step of the way.