Dental radiographs, commonly called dental X-rays, are crucial diagnostic tools in pediatric dentistry. They help our caring dentists at Aesthetic Family Dentistry in Cary, NC identify and treat issues like cavities, tooth decay, orthodontic misalignment, bone injuries, and bone diseases early—often before these problems become visible during routine exams.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) supports using dental X-rays for children and teens, emphasizing safety by limiting radiation exposure. While the radiation emitted is minimal, our trusted pediatric dentists follow AAPD guidelines to protect your child.
Request an AppointmentWhat are dental X-rays used for?
Dental X-rays serve many important purposes in pediatric dental care. Some of their key uses include:
- Checking how much space is available for new teeth to come in.
- Confirming that baby teeth are falling out on time to make room for adult teeth.
- Tracking any bone disease progression.
- Detecting and monitoring tooth decay.
- Helping plan treatments, especially orthodontics.
- Spotting bone injuries, abscesses, or tumors.
- Identifying impacted wisdom teeth.
When will my child need dental X-rays?
How often your child needs dental X-rays depends on their individual dental health. Kids with a higher risk of cavities may require X-rays twice a year to keep a close eye on their teeth. Those prone to orthodontic issues like malocclusion might also need more frequent imaging.
For children at average or lower risk, dental X-rays are typically recommended every one to two years. Even if no decay is detected, periodic X-rays help monitor tooth and jaw growth, ensuring there’s enough space for adult teeth.
If your child experiences any dental injury, the dentist might take X-rays immediately. Thanks to advances in technology, we can target specific areas of the mouth, minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure.
What precautions will be taken to ensure my child’s safety?
Dental X-rays are safe for children when performed correctly. At Aesthetic Family Dentistry, we take several steps to protect your child during the process:
First, we cover your child with a lead apron to shield the body from radiation. Then, we use special shields to protect parts of the face not being X-rayed. Finally, we use high-speed film and modern equipment to keep radiation exposure as low as possible.
If you have any questions or concerns about dental radiographs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our caring team at Aesthetic Family Dentistry by calling (919) 535-3397.
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