X-rays and imaging

A dental X-ray is one of the most important tools that we use to track your child’s tooth development and for decay and cavities that aren’t visible during a normal examination by a dentist. The ability to detect and treat cavities early in children is vital to their oral health and development, and the use of a dental x-ray is recommended in most cases to monitor your child’s dental health.

A dental x-ray is a very safe tool available to help diagnose oral health issues that would otherwise go unseen until they become larger problems. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AADP) recommends performing dental x-rays on children based on each patient’s needs and not just age alone. According to the AADP, dental x-rays for children are recommended based on the following conditions:

• History of cavities or tooth decay
• Pain in the mouth or teeth
• Gum disease
• Bleeding in the gums or mouth
• Loose teeth
• Abnormal tooth eruption, color, or other conditions
• Swelling in the gums or mouth

From time to time we hear a few concerns from parents about dental x-rays, and the truth is that there is a very minimal amount of radiation that comes from them. We try to explain the risks of not having a dental x-ray and leaving unseen problems with a child’s oral health to worsen is more detrimental than the very small amount of radiation received from an x-ray. 

Our team can answer any questions you may have about the use of dental x-rays and their benefits to your child’s dental and overall health!