Understanding Pediatric Dental X-rays: Are They Necessary?

Pediatric dental X-rays play a crucial role in maintaining your child’s oral health. They provide essential insights into the condition of your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw that cannot be fully assessed through a visual exam alone. Here’s why dental X-rays are necessary and how they contribute to your child’s overall dental well-being. 

The Purpose of X-rays

X-rays are a non-invasive diagnostic tool that dentists use to identify and treat a wide range of dental issues. For children, dental X-rays are even more important. As their mouths grow and develop, regular checkups become essential for spotting potential issues early. These images provide a comprehensive view of the teeth, bones, and jaw, allowing dentists to make more accurate treatment decisions. X-rays can uncover hidden problems such as cavities, bone irregularities, tooth impaction, and infections. 

What Happens During X-rays?

During a dental X-ray, the patient is asked to bite down on a small piece of film or plastic that holds the X-ray-sensitive material. After positioning the film, the dentist will align the X-ray machine to focus on the area of the mouth being examined. The machine is then activated, emitting a low dose of radiation to capture an image of the teeth and gums. The X-ray image is then processed, allowing the dentist or hygienist to review it for any potential issues. 

When X-rays Are Needed

Pediatric dental X-rays are crucial for identifying issues that can’t be seen during a physical exam, such as cavities, impacted teeth, infections, or abnormal tooth development. X-rays provide a detailed view of areas below the gums or inside the roots, helping diagnose problems like decay or infections that may cause discomfort. Depending on the child’s oral health, X-rays are typically taken every 6-18 months, with more frequent scans for those at higher risk of cavities or undergoing orthodontic treatment. Overall, regular X-rays are essential for early detection and ensuring long-term oral health in children. Schedule your child’s next dental x-ray today!

Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment At Jo-Anne Johnson DMD Family Dentistry

As pediatric dentists, we understand how getting X-rays may be scary for your child, so we want to do everything possible to make it a comfortable experience. Our friendly and experienced team is dedicated to providing top-quality dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Whether it’s for a routine check-up, cleaning, or a more specialized treatment, we ensure that your child’s dental health is our priority. Call us today to book an appointment and give your child the gift of a healthy smile for years to come! To schedule an appointment, please call us at 603-471-6000.