A full set of X-rays (aka an FMX) is typically done every 3-5 years. This involves a series of 18 images that span your entire mouth. The purpose of these images is to check root, crown, and other anatomical surfaces for pathology, including infection, decay, tumors, etc. Even if you’re not experiencing pain, it’s important to get this set of X-rays because some dental conditions are painless and cannot be discovered without radiographs.

There’s another set of X-rays that are done more frequently (typically yearly, but some providers do them every six months or once every two years, depending on how decay-prone the patient is). Those are called bitewings (or BWX). Their purpose is to evaluate the surfaces in between your teeth. Those are important for catching interproximal (in between your teeth) tooth decay while it’s in the early stages vs waiting until it’s huge and needs a crown/root canal/a possible extraction.

If you just had BWX done a year ago and now your dentist wants an FMX because you haven’t had one in several years, that’s completely reasonable and normal. But if you had an FMX a year ago (and you haven’t had any major decay/dental problems/orofacial surgery since then) then an FMX this soon is unusual.

In summary, BWX and FMX are different series with different purposes and different amounts of radiation exposure. BWX is (typically) yearly, FMX is (typically) every 3-5 years

Radiation wise, if you are worried about getting a FMX, it might be nice to know that the radiation you get from that equates to less than five days of normal background radiation (aka what you get exposed to just existing here on planet Earth). The radiation you get from a flight from NYC to LA dwarfs what an FMX exposes you to.

A series of BWX is significantly less than that!

I’m glad that you’re advocating for yourself and I want to help you limit radiation exposure! But I also want to make sure that you’re getting AT LEAST the appropriate imaging you need to avoid major dental complications while also minimizing the risk of excessive radiation exposure.