Dental Radiographs (X-Rays)

X-rays, also known as dental radiographs, are one of the most important diagnostic tools pediatric dentists can use to ensure your child’s teeth are growing and functioning as they should. Dental radiographs help dentists diagnose and treat conditions that they may not have noticed with the naked eye, such as childhood cavities, tooth decay, bone injuries, bone diseases, and orthodontic misalignment.

Dental X-rays are approved by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and do not harm patients in any way. However, precautions are taken by dentists to limit the amount of radiation patients are exposed to during the X-ray process to prevent damage to the cells and bodily tissues.

These precautions include using a lead apron that protects the body from radiation exposure. The dentist can also shield the parts of the face that are not being X-rayed. A high-speed film can be used as well to reduce the amount of time the X-ray takes, ultimately reducing radiation exposure.

What do dentists use X-rays for?

There are many reasons why a pediatric dentist in Brooklyn, NY may choose to take dental X-rays of their patients. These include:

• Checking whether baby teeth are shedding properly to make space for permanent teeth

• Evaluating the amount of space available for erupting teeth

• Orthodontic treatments

• Diagnosis of tooth cavities

• Monitoring the extent of bone disease

• Revealing impacted third molars

• Revealing abscesses, tumors, and bone injuries

How often does my child need to get an X-ray taken?

Unless otherwise stated by your child’s dentist, they should be getting a full-mouth X-ray taken every one to two years to monitor jaw and tooth growth. This helps the dentist determine whether there will be sufficient space available for incoming permanent teeth.

Children with a higher risk of tooth decay or experiencing dental trauma or health issues may benefit from more frequent or biannual X-rays. Children who are at high risk for orthodontic issues such as malocclusion may also need more frequent X-rays taken. These help their dentist monitor the changing conditions of the teeth and progress during certain treatments.

Children with trauma or injury to the oral region should receive an X-ray immediately. Specific areas of the mouth can be targeted and X-rayed separately, reducing the amount of radiation exposure.

To express any questions or concerns about childhood dental radiographs or to set up a dental appointment, please contact Brooklyn Dentist.