Dental x-rays are an important tool for diagnosing and treating your child’s teeth and jaws. Dr. Botero can better assess the health of your child’s teeth and uncover hidden cavities, stopping their growth. Learn tips to help prepare your child for dental x-rays and other information about the way we ensure that x-rays are safe.
Over 1.4 billion dental X-rays were performed in 2019 in the United States, with dental x-ray types ranging from intraoral and extraoral X-rays to newer cone beam computed tomographies (CBCTs). Dental x-rays produce only 2-dimensional images, CBCT scanners can deliver both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional captures.
Digital X-rays are a great way for your dentist to check on all of the health aspects of your child’s teeth without them experiencing pain and discomfort. In addition, x-rays can provide an accurate digital record or oral health map much more easily than film which is why many dental offices have shifted entirely over from using traditional x-rays to digital.
Digital x-rays offer the best view of the roots of molars and premolars (back teeth) as well as viewing any decay that may not be visible on a bitewing film. Dental x-rays are also used for several other reasons: to detect cavities between your child’s teeth; to uncover infections under tooth fillings; to look for bone loss around an implant or loose crowns; to detect cysts or tumors located below the gum line or under the tongue; and to evaluate impacted wisdom teeth or newly erupted teeth that are in the wrong position.
A digital dental x-ray offers the following additional benefits:
Dental X-rays are an effective way to diagnose and treat oral health problems. They help us see inside your child’s mouth more clearly than ever before, so that we can create a treatment plan specific for his needs!
When your child has to have dental x-rays taken it can seem like a scary thing for them. But if your child is prepared for the process, their visit will go more smoothly.
First, make sure your child knows why they need dental x-rays and what to expect from the experience. Ask your child’s dentist to explain the x-ray procedure before they begin.
Make sure your child knows ahead of time that x-rays are painless and safe (read on below). Ask if you can accompany them into the room where they’ll receive x-rays, and tell your child that you’re going to stay there until the procedure is over.
According to the American Dental Association, dental x-rays pose low radiation levels and minimal risk. Most professionals follow new pediatric guidelines which recommend using “lowest possible” doses while optimizing medical imaging exams.
Li’l Sunshine Smiles takes care to make sure that none of our patients receive more exposure to radiation than absolutely necessary during an office visit. Protective lead aprons and thyroid collars are used to protect children.
Call Dr. Botero at Li’l Sunshine Smiles at (813) 576-0200 to schedule an appointment and to learn more about dental x-rays.