If you have natural teeth or implants it is very important to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a routine cleaning, exam, oral cancer screening & necessary x-rays. If you have periodontal issues it may be advised that you have more frequent cleanings in order to keep and maintain your teeth. X-rays are used to detect decay in areas that are not detectable by the eye during your cleaning and exam. By refusing the x-rays you take a chance of small areas of decay being missed that could be easily taken care of at a nominal charge.
If you are an edentulous patient a.k.a without natural teeth it is still important to visit your dentist on an annual basis to have an exam, oral cancer screening & professional denture cleaning. It is also advised every 3-5 years that a Panoramic x-ray is taken to detect any signs of suspicious growths in the surrounding jaw bones.
