What Are Dental X-Rays?
Dental X-rays are a safe way to detect anything from cavities to erupting teeth to evaluating the results of an injury. Since children are constantly growing, this allows pediatric dentists to get an up-close look at your child’s mouth to diagnose and treat conditions that they wouldn’t normally be able to detect in a routine cleaning. Don’t worry – these X-rays are safe for children and will help them in their lifelong smile journey!
Why Children Need Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays are safe for children, and in general, children need X-rays more often than adults. Their mouths grow and change rapidly, so dental X-rays are key in making sure everything is moving in the right direction.
X-rays help us determine:
- If there are any missing or extra teeth
- If there are any signs of hidden decay or infection
- If your child is a good candidate for braces or other orthodontic treatment
- How your child’s permanent teeth are shaped, how they look, and how they’ll erupt
How Safe Are Dental X-Rays For Kids?
Pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of child patients to radiation. With contemporary safeguards, like lead aprons, high-speed film, digital X-rays, and thyroid collars, the amount of radiation received in a dental X-ray is extremely low. In fact, X-rays represent a far smaller risk than undetected and untreated dental problems.
Should I Be Worried About Radiation Exposure?
The safety and comfort of your child is our top priority. Our pediatric dentists are trained on when and how often to prescribe X-rays, and they will not conduct X-rays unless it is necessary. Staying up to date with technology and advances in the industry, our team will make sure the proper care is taken.
When Children Should Get X-Rays
We recommend dental X-rays only when they are necessary to evaluate and monitor your child’s oral health. Your dentist will prescribe how often your child needs dental X-rays based on your child’s individual needs. For children with high risk of tooth decay, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommends X-rays every 6 months to 1 year. Children with a low risk of tooth decay may require X-rays less frequently. Talk to your dentist about dental x-rays or schedule an appointment with Coastal Kids today!
Different Types Of Dental X-Rays
There are a few different types of dental X-rays that your child’s dentist may use for different purposes based on your needs. They are all safe and effective, even on the littlest mouths. Here is what you need to know about each type of dental X-ray.
- Bite-wing X-ray: A bite-wing dental X-ray allows dentists to look at the back crowns of your molars and check for any decay between teeth. While the patient bites down on a piece of plastic, the X-ray takes one to two pictures on each side of your mouth. This creates one image that shows your dentist both your upper and lower teeth at once.
- Panoramic X-ray: A panoramic X-ray has the ability to show the entire mouth in just one image. This X-ray machine acts like a panoramic camera. While you bite down on a bite-blocker, it scans your entire dental landscape so your dentist can see how your teeth are erupting, what teeth haven’t erupted and what orthodontic treatment may work for you.
- Occlusal X-ray: Occlusal X-rays help track the development of your child’s teeth. These X-rays can show the entire arch of a child’s mouth to help see the placement of the teeth in their mouths.
- Periapical X-ray: The goal of a periapical X-ray is to take a closer look at one tooth at a time. This helps dentists look at both the chewing surface and the root of a single tooth and help detect any changes in the tooth or bone structure.
Contact Us To Schedule An X-Ray Appointment For Your Child
Our specialized pediatric dentists at any of our 10 convenient Charleston and surrounding area locations are here to help your child with dental X-rays or any questions you have about the procedures. Schedule an appointment with Coastal Kids Dental & Braces today!
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