I recently quit my long-time dentist. I presumably need to find a new one. (There are several within walking distance of my home.) My previous dentist's practice did the 6 month cleanings & x-rays once a year, plus some other stuff. But I'm wondering to what extent all of that is necessary. I presume any new dentist I see is going to want to do at least this much & maybe more. I know at least one of the dental offices close to my home advertises they do x-rays every 6 months. I believe that is excessive & would not do that.

I'll be 69 soon & I do not plan to have any expensive restorative dental work done at this stage of my life. My wife & I used to have dental insurance, but now we no longer do. I do try to take as good care of my teeth as I know how. So how important do members feel the 6 month dental cleanings & annual x-rays are when one is gettin' on in years & does not plan to undertake any expensive restorative dental work at this late stage in life. Thanks!