In the Know for You to Know
As parents we know from our own dental experiences about cavity detecting x-rays. But x-rays detect so much more than cavities. X-rays allow Dentists to diagnose and treat conditions that can’t be detected during a clinical examination.
Pediatric Dentists recommend x-rays only when they are necessary and minimize radiation exposure by using lead aprons with thyroid collars, and following the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American College of Radiology and Image Gently.
But wait, there’s even more that is being done to minimize radiation exposure for your child.
Digital X-Rays
Digital x-rays significantly reduce the amount of radiation as compared to the older film based x-rays, and provides an opportunity to further reduce the radiation dose by 90 percent.
In addition, today’s modern digital dental x-ray machines are required by the FDA to have “child settings” that keep radiation exposure to a minimum.
Digital x-rays are instantaneous. Their improved diagnostic quality and the efficiency to view the x-rays directly on the computer screen enable you to better visualize and follow your child’s treatment.
Even though it takes less than a second to take a digital x-ray, your child will still be protected with a lead apron and thyroid collar shield to protect their body from unnecessary radiation exposure.
If you’re into green technology, you’ll be glad to know that digital x-rays are green.
X-Ray Procedure For Children
Pediatric Dentists have special ways to help children be comfortable taking an x-ray.
First, before taking any x-ray, we place a protective lead apron and thyroid collar on your child.
Then to make taking the x-ray easier we use child size digital x-ray computer sensors while engaging your child to “take a photo” or “take a tooth selfie” of their tooth. Children really like seeing their tooth selfie on the computer screen.
Types Of Dental X-Rays
There are several varieties of x-rays typically seen in a pediatric dental office, but the type that is used totally depends on your child’s needs.
- Bitewing X-rays – Are to view cavities between the teeth, especially when then teeth are touching.
- Periapical X-rays – Allow us to see several adjacent teeth and the supporting bone structure. This is also helpful to see the adult teeth growing underneath baby teeth. We also use this x-ray to check for any tooth infections.
- Panoramic x-rays – We’re able to view of the entire mouth, upper and lower jaws, the jaw joint, sinus, nose, eyes and the wisdom teeth.
- Occlusal X-rays – We take one for the top front baby teeth and another for the bottom front baby teeth. This allows us to check for cavities, infections, injuries, and developing adult teeth.
- Orthodontic x-rays – Evaluate the relationship between the head, jaw, and teeth.
Important To Know
While dental x-rays are important to diagnose and treat oral health conditions which wouldn’t ordinarily be found during a clinical examination, this is not something Pediatric Dentists take lightly.
Pediatric Dentists respect your concerns for your child’s health especially about radiation exposure during x-rays and are mindful to minimize the amount of radiation.
We do this by following the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for the type and frequency of x-ray examinations, in addition to adhering to the radiation protection standard of ALARA for a safe radiation protocol, as well as the Image Gently safety and effectiveness standards for pediatric radiation imaging safety best practices.
Also, in addition to following these 3 sets of guidelines, lead aprons and thyroid collars are used to help to protect your child. Modern equipment restricts the x-ray beam to the area of concern, while digital x-rays, and proper shielding assure that your child receives the minimal amount of radiation exposure.
We want to assure you that we respect everyone’s opinion regarding dental x-rays. We also hope that you found the information from last week’s post as well as today’s helpful and informative.
What are your feelings now about dental x-rays after seeing how diligent Pediatric Dentists are in making sure that when your child does need an x-ray it is taken with the least amount of radiation possible? Have they changed? Are they the same? Share your thoughts with us, we’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline
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