Maintaining good oral health for children is integral to their overall well-being and must not be neglected. Poor dental health can lead to tooth decay, gum decay, bad breath, and possibly more severe health issues like heart disease. Thus, regular dental exams are vital to ensure healthy oral health.
Every time a dental health check-up is conducted, your child’s dentist will conduct a thorough exam of their gums and teeth and look for signs of dental issues. The problem is that not all issues can be identified with an eye exam. This is why dental X-rays become invaluable because they let dentists examine the underside of the gums and teeth to discover hidden issues which may be present.
All About Dental X-rays for Children
Let us discuss why dental X-rays are essential to be used, which are the ones most frequently by pediatric dentistry practices, and what parents should expect when scheduling an appointment for dental X-rays for their child.
Why Are Dental X-Rays Necessary?
Dental X-rays help a childrens dentist to spot and treat dental issues that aren’t obvious to the naked eye. The jaws and teeth of children are constantly changing. By identifying possible issues early, pediatric dentists can create a treatment plan and keep more severe problems from becoming apparent later.
Dental X-rays can be safe and cause very little radiation exposure. For more information about radiation safety, talk to your pediatric dentist. They can give more details regarding dental X-rays.
Types of X-Rays Commonly Used in Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentists commonly utilize multiple forms of X-ray imaging technology. Here are some of them:
- Bitewing Xrays: These X-rays show that the tops of the upper, lower, and back teeth meet and allow your dentist to spot cavities or decay more effectively.
- Periapical X-RaysPeriapical X-rays offer a clear view of all parts of a tooth’s root system and surrounding bone structure. They also help to identify abscesses, impacted teeth, and other ailments that require treatment.
- Panoramic X-rays These X-rays show the entire mouth, including all teeth, the jawbone, and the sinuses. They help detect issues related to tooth development, TMJ disorders, and other issues affecting mouth and jaw health. A dental clinic in Greensboro NC, can perform procedures and tests to remediate the pain and correct your dental problem.
What to Expect During Your Child’s Dental X-Ray Appointment
Before your child’s appointment for an X-ray, make sure they’ve taken extra steps to floss and brush their teeth thoroughly. Furthermore, inform them about the procedures and how the X-ray machine functions. The following is a list of what to anticipate during an appointment:
- Your child will be asked to stand or sit in front of the machine and be shielded by radiation with a lead apron over their stomach and chest by your dentist.
- Dental assistants or dentists then place a tiny sensor or film in their mouths so they can bite down on it to create an X-ray image. You can explore the web and search for articles and blog posts about teeth cleaning and other dental procedures.
- Your child must remain still while an X-ray image is taken of their mouth. However, their dentist or assistant may require a variety of X-rays at different angles to capture an accurate image of all their teeth and jawbone.
- Once the X-rays have been taken, your dentist will review them with you to address any concerns or suggest further treatments or X-rays depending on your child’s oral health needs.
Conclusion
Dental X-rays can be a critical and safe tool that pediatric dentists utilize for diagnosing and treating dental issues in children. With early detection, dentists at the pediatric level can deter the emergence of more severe problems, saving you and your child money on treatment later on. If you’re worried about making an appointment for your child’s X-ray, make an appointment with their pediatric dentist, who will provide additional details regarding its safety and necessity.
