You don't automatically need dental X-rays at every check-up. The timing depends on your teeth and gums, your risk of dental disease and your previous treatment. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) says your dentist considers these factors when recommending how often to take bitewing X-rays.
If you've just booked a check-up, it's reasonable to wonder whether an X-ray is part of it, particularly if you had images taken recently. At Ellen Stirling Dental in Ellenbrook, our general dentistry information explains that X-rays may be needed depending on your dental health needs. A check-up date alone doesn't tell you which images you'll need.
Summary of the content
- The timing of bitewing X-rays is individual, rather than the same for everyone.
- Different images answer different questions; a full-mouth image isn't a substitute for every other type.
- Tell your dentist about earlier images and ask what a proposed X-ray would help them assess.
What decides how often I need X-rays?
For bitewing X-rays, the ADA lists your home care, current decay or gum disease, risk of developing these conditions and past dental treatment as factors in the recommendation. That means two people attending check-ups on the same day may receive different imaging advice. The ADA's dental X-ray guide explains the reasons for this individual approach.
Rather than trying to choose an interval from an online chart, ask: "What has led you to recommend an X-ray for me today?" If your dentist suggests an interval for future images, ask which part of your dental history or current examination informs that advice.
It's also worth separating two questions: when to return for your next examination, and when to take your next X-ray. Our general dentistry page says diagnostic procedures depend on your dental health needs. You can ask about both before you leave, rather than assuming the appointments have identical requirements.
Why might I need an X-ray if my teeth look fine?
An X-ray can show areas beneath the surface of teeth and gums that a dentist cannot assess just by looking inside your mouth. The ADA describes uses including finding decay, assessing bone loss around teeth and checking problems with earlier treatment. Images also help with treatment planning.
The useful question is what the dentist wants to investigate. You could say: "Can you explain what you're looking for and how the image will help?" The ADA recommends discussing the benefits and risks of dental imaging with your dentist. You don't need to know the technical name of the image to ask that.
Are all dental X-rays the same?
No. The type depends on the area and question being investigated. The ADA and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) describe several different views:
- Bitewing: shows areas between teeth and the level of surrounding bone. The ADA describes bitewings as commonly used at check-ups to look for decay and assess bone levels.
- Periapical: shows a whole tooth, including its roots and nearby bone. The ADA gives a sore tooth as one reason this view may be requested.
- Panoramic or OPG: gives an overall view of the mouth and jaws. It can help assess wisdom-tooth position and other wider areas, but the ADA says it is not recommended as the main image for detecting decay.
- CBCT: produces a three-dimensional image of teeth, bone and surrounding anatomy. The ADA describes its use in planning complex treatment.
These descriptions come from ARPANSA's dental imaging information and the ADA guide. They aren't a list of scans everyone should have, or a statement that every type is available at our practice. Ask which image is being proposed and why that particular view is useful.
Can my dentist use X-rays taken somewhere else?
Tell the team where and when the images were taken, and ask how to arrange access to them. The ADA explains that dentists compare earlier and newer images to look for changes in teeth and jawbone.
Having an earlier image doesn't answer every current clinical question. Your dentist still needs to decide whether the available information shows what they need to assess. You can ask: "Would the images from my previous practice help, and what information is missing?"
If you're moving practices with an implant, our article on the implant records to bring when changing dentists covers that more specific handover. This article is about the imaging decision at an ordinary check-up, rather than servicing an existing implant.
What about radiation or pregnancy concerns?
Dental X-rays do involve radiation. ARPANSA describes the exposure as very low level and unlikely to have health effects. That isn't a reason to take an image without a clinical purpose: ask your dentist to explain the benefits and risks for the image being recommended.
Tell your dentist if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are trying to conceive. The ADA says dental X-rays can be taken during pregnancy to investigate a sore tooth or another problem. It also says your dentist may delay imaging while a possible pregnancy is confirmed. Discuss your circumstances rather than deciding to postpone care from a general article.
If you're uncomfortable about imaging, say so before it starts. A question such as "What will this image tell us, and what are my options?" gives the discussion a clear starting point.
What should I ask before my Ellenbrook appointment?
When booking, mention recent dental images and ask how the practice would like you to arrange any records. At the appointment, these questions can help:
- Which type of image are you recommending, and what are you investigating?
- Can my earlier images help answer that question?
- What benefits and risks should I understand before deciding?
- Is imaging included in my appointment estimate, or is there a separate charge?
For a separate discussion of Medicare and dental bills, see our Medicare dental coverage guide for Ellenbrook families. Confirm the proposed appointment and imaging charges with the team rather than treating this article as a quote.
To arrange a visit or ask about bringing previous images, call (08) 6192 1036 or use the Ellen Stirling Dental contact page.
Written by Dr. Rachit Shah (Dentist), Ellen Stirling Dental.
Sources
Sources checked 8 November 2026. This is general information about dental imaging; your dentist needs to assess your circumstances before recommending an image or its timing.
- Australian Dental Association: Dental X-rays.
- ARPANSA: Dental imaging.
- Ellen Stirling Dental: General dentistry, author profile and contact information.
- The hero reuses an existing website photograph of an imaging discussion. It does not establish who is pictured or which imaging is appropriate for you.
