Dental x-rays are a tool used to see where the naked eye can’t. They are only taken when indicated but as a rule, children require them more frequently than adults. Their mouths grow and change rapidly and they are prone to more tooth decay than adults. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends x-ray examinations every 6 months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. Children with a lower risk of tooth decay will generally need them once a year.
Our doctors evaluate your child’s growth and development, post-injury status, and orthodontic readiness as well as tooth decay. X-rays allow our doctors to diagnose and treat health conditions that cannot be detected during a clinical examination. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for your child and more affordable for you.
Our practice is set up to minimize your child’s exposure to radiation. We use digital x-rays, which require much less radiation than traditional x-rays. The risk is negligible. In fact, dental x-rays represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and untreated dental problem.
Lead aprons with thyroid collars are always used when x-rays are taken.