As a parent, it’s very natural to feel concerned about the things that can affect your child’s health, including X-rays. Most dentists now use digital X-rays, which emit much less radiation than traditional X-rays, but it’s normal to still feel concerned about your child’s safety. Let us help you understand more about the safety of dental X-rays so you can feel at ease.
Why Do Children Need Dental X-Rays?
Your dentist can point out immediately if there’s something wrong with your child’s teeth, like a large cavity or a bite problem. But there are many things that cannot be seen with eyes alone. And that’s where the role of dental X-rays comes in.
They can find even the tiniest pockets of decay that are hidden between your child’s teeth or under existing restorations, so treatment can start right away.
Digital dental X-rays also help find indicators of gum disease, developmental problems, bone disease, cysts and many other hidden issues that are not visible.
Are Digital Dental X-Rays Safe for Kids?
Yes, modern dental X-rays taken using digital X-rays are quite safe for kids, even young children. These machines reduce radiation exposure by 80 to 90%, which is much less than the already minimal radiation of traditional X-rays, making it safer than ever for kids!
In fact, most of the time, dentists don’t need to take X-rays of your child’s full mouth. They’ll place a film directly next to the tooth or some teeth they want to capture, and the machine will create a scan of that part only.
Pediatric dentists also take other precautions, like using a lead apron, to make sure your child remains safe and protected.
What to Expect When Getting a Digital X-Ray?
Getting a digital X-ray is very easy. The process can be a little different depending on what type of X-ray your kid needs, but all of them are completely painless. If the problem is only in a small part of the mouth, your dentist may take periapical or bitewing X-rays, in which they place a small sensor in the mouth to capture that area directly.
Other times, the need is for a panoramic X-ray, which gives a full picture of your child’s teeth (including the permanent teeth that are still below the gumline) and jaws.
For this one, your dentist will place a lead apron first and then position your child in front of the X-ray machine. They’ll have to stand still for some time while an arm of the machine spins around their head (without touching them). And just like that, your dentist can get the full view of your child’s mouth.
How Often Do Children Need Dental X-rays?
Many dentists advise kids to get their first dental X-rays usually between the ages of 4 and 6. The frequency of their X-rays may then change. For example, if your little one’s teeth are healthy and they do not have any issues, they will get routine bitewing X-rays every six months.
On the other hand, children who are at high risk of problems like cavities or whose teeth are not growing normally may need more frequent X-rays.
Takeaway
So, yes, dental X-rays are highly safe for kids and a great way to detect oral problems that aren’t obvious. You can still talk to our pediatric dentist, Dr. Neil Dean, at KC Kids Dental if you have any concerns or are worried. Call us today to book your appointment!
