Is it really MANDATORY to get an x-ray done before professional cleaning?

Question

I would hate doing this as I am breastfeeding and don't think that's a good idea right now. Several docs in Florida told me so though..... My teeth are ok. Just want them clean again.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Nothing is mandatory. It's your body; you can do whatever you want with it. If you just want them cleaned, and no x-rays for now, then keep calling until you find somebody who will respect your right to make your own health decisions.

It may help to find somebody who will do this, by letting them know that your ban on x-rays is temporary, because you're not comfortable with it while breastfeeding. Some offices have policies about doing this or that, and they don't feel the need to bend on those policies unless they understand the situation, especially the temporary nature of it, more fully. That's probably what you've run into, actually... not any mandatory requirement, but office policy.

If you really can't find anybody to do it, go spend 6 bucks at your drugstore, get a dental pick, and do the job yourself until you're done breastfeeding. It won't be perfect, but better than nothing. And after a few times at it, you get pretty good. I know this because I have a phobic child, and we clean his teeth ourselves in order to cut down on the number of professional cleanings needed.

Answer 2

Having x-rays taken will not have any impact on your breastfeeding. Dental offices are different on how often they take x-rays. In our office, we take bitewings once a year, because that is what most insurance companies pay for. On most patients, x-rays are not mandatory before cleanings. If you have a regular dentist and you have your teeth cleaned regularly, and you explain your concern, they will probably proceed with the cleaning. But just last week, we had a patient come in that had not had her teeth cleaned in years. Her teeth were in very bad shape. She had so much tartar buildup and some loose teeth, but she did not want x-rays. We told her that we could not clean her teeth without the x-rays because with all the tartar, we could not tell the severity of her condition. After the dentist talked to her, she agreed to the x-rays. So, it depends on the dental office and their protocol. When a patient says that they do not want x-rays taken, it is our job to explain to the patient why we need the x-rays. If your mouth is healthy and you have no pain complaints, I would think that you could have a cleaning without x-rays, but no major work done.

Answer 3

the whole-mouth xray (OPG) has the same amt of radiation as a regular xray (around 66 i think). it's used mainly to see if u have any cavities, bone/infection problems or maybe wisdom teeth problems that the dentist might want to correct during the visit.
a lead sheet is used when taking the OPG so the patient's not totally exposed to radiation.

however they aren't absolutely mandatory, they are just what they are - tools so that the dentist can detect anything wrong with your teeth. probably the dentist wants to be on the safe side too, they don't want to be come after for negligence won't they ;)
you could weigh the options yourself - perhaps you might want to go ahead with only the cleaning first during your breastfeeding period, then take an xray and another clean once u stop breastfeeding. it's your choice entirely, you could work our a plan that would suit your dental health and your baby's health best :)


all the best!

Answer 4

No it's not mandatory to have an xray before a hygiene appt. It's a good idea to have them taken every year or two to make sure everything is alright, but you have the final say so, although it has no effect on breastfeeding. I'm a licensed dental hygenist and if a patient tells me they don't want xrays, I respect their wishes and document it in the chart that they refused the xrays. It shouldn't be that big of a deal and if the dental office you go to acts like it is, I would go elsewhere.

Answer 5

First off, an xray wouldn't interfer with breastfeeding at all, they do use the shield on you, if if radiation would be able to be passed thru breast milk, you would be covered with a lead shield. Secondly, you don't have to have xrays done at cleanings, even though they do encourage it (I think that it's so they can suck more money out of you) . I have this conversation at cleanings all of the time, I have cheap insurance, will only pay for cleanings or xrays, not both every six months. My dentist finally concurred that it is not necessary to have xrays, as long as you aren't having any problems.

Answer 6

Not at all. How often you need dental x-rays should depend on the overall state of your dental health and whether your dentist is monitoring something (like a potential cavity.) I get my teeth cleaned every six months, but I only have x-rays every two years.

Answer 7

Not mandatory in Oklahoma. But most xray now have very little radiation. Not enough to worry about. The xrays are good to have taken every six months to check for decay that is not visable.

Answer 8

dentists need xrays every 6mos to determine what type of cleaning you need . on the xray it will show if you have any bone
loss or any calculus.also insurance companies need it as well