Many parents have questions and concerns when it comes to dental X-rays for their children. Are they safe? Are they really necessary? How often should they be taken? Understanding the purpose and safety of pediatric dental X-rays can help ease these concerns and highlight why they’re an essential part of comprehensive dental care for your child.
At Little Roots Pediatric Dental, we prioritize both safety and thorough diagnostic care in all our treatments. Our board-certified Nassau County pediatric dentists use state-of-the-art equipment and follow strict safety protocols to ensure your child receives the best care while minimizing radiation exposure.
Why Dental X-Rays Are Important for Children
Dental X-rays allow dentists to see what isn’t visible during a regular visual examination. For children, whose mouths are constantly growing and changing, X-rays provide crucial information about:
- Tooth development and eruption patterns of permanent teeth
- Early detection of cavities between teeth that can’t be seen during examination
- The presence of extra or missing teeth that may impact dental development
- Monitoring growth of the jaw and facial bones
- Evaluation of injuries after dental trauma
- Assessment of bone health around the teeth
- Early identification of orthodontic needs
Without X-rays, many dental problems can go undetected until they become more serious and require more invasive treatments. Early detection through X-rays allows for more conservative treatment options and better outcomes for your child’s dental health.
Safety of Modern Dental X-Rays
Many parents worry about radiation exposure from dental X-rays. However, modern digital X-ray technology has dramatically reduced radiation levels compared to traditional film X-rays of the past. Today’s pediatric dental X-rays use:
- Digital sensors that require up to 90% less radiation than traditional film
- High-speed digital processing that minimizes exposure time
- Protective equipment including lead aprons and thyroid collars
- Focused beams that target only the area needing examination
The amount of radiation from a set of dental X-rays is remarkably low – comparable to the radiation exposure from a short airplane flight or a day spent outside in the sun. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association both affirm that the benefits of appropriate dental X-rays far outweigh the minimal risks.
How Often Should Children Have Dental X-Rays?
There is no one-size-fits-all schedule for pediatric dental X-rays. The frequency depends on your child’s individual needs, including:
- Age and stage of dental development
- History of cavities or dental problems
- Risk factors for dental disease
- Presence of symptoms that require diagnosis
For most children with low risk of dental problems, bitewing X-rays (which show the crowns of back teeth) may be recommended once a year, while full-mouth X-rays might be taken every 3-5 years. Children with higher risk may need more frequent X-rays to monitor their oral health.
At Little Roots Pediatric Dental, we follow the ALARA principle – “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” – meaning we take X-rays only when necessary for diagnosis and treatment planning, and we use the safest techniques available.
What to Expect During Your Child’s Dental X-Rays
Parents often wonder what the X-ray process involves and how to prepare their child. Here’s what you can expect:
First, your child will wear a protective lead apron with a thyroid collar to shield their body from radiation. Depending on the type of X-ray needed, the dental assistant will position a small sensor in your child’s mouth and ask them to bite down gently. The actual X-ray takes just a few seconds, and the process is completely painless.
For younger children, we explain the process in kid-friendly terms and show them the equipment beforehand. We might describe it as “taking pictures of their teeth” to help them understand. Our team is experienced in making the process comfortable and stress-free, even for anxious children.
Types of Dental X-Rays for Children
Different types of X-rays serve different diagnostic purposes:
Bitewing X-rays show the crowns of back teeth and are used primarily to check for cavities between teeth.
Periapical X-rays show the entire tooth from crown to root and are used to evaluate root development, check for abscesses, or assess injury.
Panoramic X-rays provide a broad view of the entire mouth, including developing teeth, jaw joints, and sinuses. These are typically taken every 3-5 years to monitor growth and development.
Cephalometric X-rays show the side view of the face and are used primarily for orthodontic assessment.
Schedule Your Child’s Dental Examination Today
At Little Roots Pediatric Dental, Dr. Jessica Barzideh and Dr. Sunaina provide comprehensive pediatric dental care using the safest and most effective diagnostic tools available. We’re committed to explaining all procedures clearly and addressing any concerns you may have about your child’s dental care.
To schedule your child’s next dental examination or to learn more about our approach to pediatric dental X-rays and diagnostics, call us at (516) 738-4434 or fill out our contact form today.
