2200 G.A.R. Hwy
Swansea, MA 02777
508-233-3341
Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Children?
Dental radiographs, commonly known as X-rays, allow dentists to see areas that cannot be evaluated during a visual examination alone. Modern pediatric dental X-rays use extremely low levels of radiation and play an important role in detecting cavities, monitoring development, and identifying concerns before they become larger problems.
When are dental x-rays taken on kids?
Cavity-check x-rays (bitewings) are generally recommended once the baby molar teeth are touching (in contact), typically around 4-5 years old. Individual circumstances and tolerance are taken into account. Dental x-rays are sometimes important in cases of trauma or injury to the mouth or teeth as well. Lastly, growth and development x-rays are often taken within a few years of adult teeth eruption.
Why take dental x-rays on children?
Radiographs (X-Rays) are a vital and necessary part of your child’s dental diagnostic process. Without them, certain dental conditions can and will be missed. For example, cavities forming between the teeth often show no visible changes just by looking in the mouth until they are so large that they have grown very close to or into the nerve of the tooth.
Even still, radiographs detect much more than cavities. For example, radiographs show the development and position of erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, evaluate the results of an injury, and plan orthodontic treatment. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for your child and more affordable for you.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends radiographs and examinations every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. On average, most pediatric dentists request radiographs approximately once a year. Approximately every 3 years, it is a good idea to obtain a complete set of radiographs, either a panoramic and bitewings or periapicals and bitewings.
What precautions are taken to protect my child during x-rays?
We are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of our patients to radiation. Lead body aprons and thyroid collars will protect your child from unnecessary exposure. In addition, our digital electronic x-ray equipment significantly reduces the number of x-rays and the amount of radiation needed per x-ray to create an image of diagnostic quality.
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