Parents are often concerned about the x-rays requested by a kid-friendly dentist. Dental x-rays are important to discover issues that are not immediately visible to the naked eyes – issues under the tooth enamel and below the gum line. Fortunately, modern technology used for the x-rays makes them safe, especially for children.
The importance of dental x-rays
There are many things that a kid-friendly dentist needs to see in the child’s mouth besides simply looking. For example, the dentist may need to take x-rays to see the placement of the child’s adult teeth before they come in so that they can know if there will be an issue with the eruption process. If they suspect any problem, they will provide a prompt intervention plan for those new teeth.
X-rays are also used to examine a child’s teeth when planning for orthodontic treatment. This is vital so the kid-friendly dentist can have an accurate layout of the child’s teeth and know what is required with braces or other orthodontic appliances. The dentist can also use the x-ray to assess the extent of a cavity, detect bone disease or examine an injury. It is obvious that dental x-rays are important in the child’s oral care, but are they safe?
The safety of dental x-rays
Kid-friendly dentists are especially cautious about reducing a child patient’s exposure to radiation. The level of radiation in a regular dental x-ray is minimal. It is safe to say that the radiation is not as harmful as untreated dental issues. To get a more accurate idea of how minimal the radiation level is – the radiation from flying across the country is higher than what patients get from dental x-rays. Many kid-friendly dentists are turning to digital x-rays as the current technology further reduces radiation levels.
Parents might also wonder why the child has to wear a lead vest, and why kid-friendly dentists and their assistants leave the room. These dental professionals are around the devices throughout the day, so they reduce their exposure by leaving the room. The lead vest is a precautional measure – despite the small level of radiation, it is better to shield the child with it than using nothing. Parents also need to understand that the kid-friendly dentist will only take x-rays after a full review of the child’s medical and dental records.
Safe frequency of dental x-rays
If the child is new to the kid-friendly dentist, they will likely undergo a dental x-ray scan to provide the dentist with a basic overview of their dental health. If the child is vulnerable to cavities, then the dentist may request x-rays more regularly. The child may also need x-rays more often because their jaw is still developing and the permanent teeth will soon erupt.
In conclusion
Dental x-rays have a critical role in a child’s dental health. They ensure early detection of dental issues such as cavities to reduce the cost of treatment eventually. When worried about children undergoing x-ray scans, talk to a kid-friendly dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://escondidofamilydentistry.com/ or call Escondido Family Dental Care & Specialty Center at (760) 747-7223 for an appointment in our Escondido office.
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