ADA Accessibility Information
Accessibility

A
A

A
Providing you and your family with the highest level of dental care

Why Do You Need X-Rays of My Teeth during a Routine Exam?


Posted on 3/13/2016 by Thomas Mahar
A patient being show his dental x-ray by his dentist.It's time for your dental exam and cleaning, and your hygienist informs you that they need X-rays of your teeth. While the process of getting X-rays is fairly convenient for you and you probably automatically comply, have you ever wondered exactly why your dentist needs these images when nothing is bothering you?

After all, with other X-rays in the medical field, you only have them taken when something is suspected to be wrong, so what is the deal with those dental X-rays?

The Importance of Regular Dental X-Rays

Dental X-rays work to capture images of your mouth, especially the areas that your dentist won't be able to see. The teeth and bones in your mouth will absorb more radiation than the cheek and gum tissues, creating an image that shows the differences between various types of tissue.

This means that your dentist will be able to use X-ray images to detect problems that won't be visible just by looking in your mouth, such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, and tooth decay. Since 80% of decay is actually found between the teeth where your dentist can't see it, it should be easy to see why routine X-rays are so important.

How Often Do You Need X-rays?

If X-rays are so important, should you be getting them at each dental visit? Not necessarily. Your dentist will make recommendations on your X-ray needs based off of the health of your mouth. Most dental X-rays are repeated every year or two, but if your dentist is watching a problem, you might have them completed more frequently.

Fortunately, dental X-rays are safe, so you won't need to worry about radiation exposure, even if you are required to have more frequent X-rays taken.

Is it time for your dental exam and x-rays? Contact our office today to set up your appointment.
image of art2 cta1

Dental Implants

One of the most comprehensive ways of repairing gaps in your teeth is with dental implants. Implants are an ideal solution if you are missing a single tooth or all of your teeth
Learn More
image of art2 cta2

Family Dentistry

At Mahar Dental, our priority is helping you and your family be proactive about your dental hygiene. With our expert team you can be sure that you’ll get the best cleanings, exams, and other care available.Learn More
image of art2 cta3

Invisible Aligners

If you are trying to figure out a way to get straighter teeth but do not like the idea of traditional braces, then you may want to give Mahar Dental a call and let us help you with invisible aligners.Learn More

Dr. Mahar
Thomas F. Mahar, DDS
Dr. Mahar maintains a commitment to excellence in dentistry. He believes that each patient should receive the highest level of dental care and customer service.

Dr. Mahar has received advanced training in several areas of dentistry with an emphasis on aesthetic dentistry.

Read More about Dr. Mahar

What our patients are saying about us!



01
Absolutely the best!
"This office is absolutely the best! Everyone on the staff, from the front desk to the hygienists, has been most welcoming, friendly and warm! Dr. Mahar is very professional, proficient, and does amazing work! We feel very lucky to have found Dr Mahar as our family’s dentist!" ~ Erin

02
Highly recommended
"This office is great ! Everyone at the office is wonderful. When my entire family goes for their visits we are always treated extremely well. A top notch experience all the way around. Highly recommended." ~ Matthew

03
The best dentist around
"Dr Mahar is a wonderful dentist. He is kind, caring and compassionate. He has been my dentist for over 25 years and I would never go anywhere else. His staff is amazing..Molly has been my hygienist for years, she is very competent and professional and also takes a personal interest in each patient. Suzanne is great! She knows everyone by their first name and always makes me feel very comfortable with her sense of humor and friendliness. Dr Mahar is absolutely the best dentist around! My family is also very pleased and proud to call Dr Mahar their dentist as well." ~ Karen

READ AND WRITE REVIEWS


Smiling mother and daughter


Copyright © 2014-2025 Mahar Dental and WEO Media (Touchpoint Communications LLC). All rights reserved.  Sitemap
Cosmetic Dentist North Syracuse | Mahar Dental
Mahar Dental Specializes In the Latest In Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry & Clear Aligners In North Syracuse. We are Committed to Offering Comprehensive Dental Care
Mahar Dental, 135 Sand Rd, North Syracuse, NY 13212 | (315) 766-2770 | mahardental.com | 6/15/2025 | Page Phrases: dentist, dentist north syracuse ny, Thomas F Mahar DDS