Knowledge Zone

Radiographs (X-Rays)

X-Rays are a necessary part of your child’s dental diagnostic process. Without them, certain dental conditions will be missed. X-Rays detect much more than cavities. They may be needed to evaluate erupting teeth, diagnose supernumerary or congenitally missing teeth, evaluate the results of an injury, or assess orthodontic needs.

 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends x-rays every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for your child.

 

Pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of their patients to radiation. With contemporary safeguards, the amount of radiation received in a dental x-ray examination is extremely small. Dental x-rays represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and untreated dental problem. Lead body aprons and shields will protect your child. Today's equipment filters out unnecessary x-rays and restricts the x-ray beam to the area of interest. High-speed film and proper shielding assure that your child receives a minimal amount of radiation exposure.

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