Dental X-Rays: Is My Child Safe?

Not all dental problems are visibly seen with the naked eye. Dental professionals require the use of modern technology to help them see what is occurring beneath the surface of the gums. How is this accomplished? With the help of dental x-rays, your child’s dentist can better identify, diagnose, and treat all types of dental issues, but is it safe? To help you achieve greater peace of mind, a local pediatric dentist explains the purpose of this technology and why you and your child have nothing to fear.

Why are Dental X-Rays Necessary?

If you want your child to receive the highest level of quality dental care, it will be necessary for them to undergo dental x-rays at some point. Depending on your child’s dentist and the state of their oral health, they may be required to have them taken once a year, once every 2-3 years, or every six months. 

The purpose behind these images is to allow a dental professional to visual the entire oral cavity. Not all signs of tooth decay, gum disease, infection, and misalignment occur above the gum line. If left untreated for too long, problems can worsen over time, resulting in more complex and costly forms of treatment.

By allowing your child to have dental x-rays taken of their smile, their dentist can better determine if any changes are occurring throughout their growth and development that need to be addressed immediately or in the future.

What Can They Detect?

The most common problems dental x-rays can detect include:

• Dental decay between the teeth or in areas that cannot be seen during a traditional exam
• Infection present inside a tooth or its root
• Changes in wisdom teeth development and whether any teeth are impacted
• Any cyst formations or additional abnormalities
• Whether baby teeth are falling out at the appropriate time to allow for permanent teeth to erupt
• Determining if adequate space is available for incoming teeth

Are They Safe to Use on Children?

Unlike traditional dental x-rays that emitted high levels of radiation and produced images that often led to less accurate and precise treatment plans, dental professionals nowadays are turning to all-digital dental x-rays. Why? There are many reasons, some of which include:

1. They emit far less radiation (up to 80% or more), making them a much safer alternative to the traditional methods once used.
2. They produce higher quality images, making it possible for your child’s dentist to accurately identify problem areas and formulate a more precise treatment plan.
3. The process takes only a few minutes, decreasing the amount of time spent capturing images and allowing the dental team to focus their efforts on treating the problem.
4. Your child will wear a lead apron and neck covering to minimize potential risk.

The next time your child needs dental x-rays, remember their health and safety are the dental team’s priorities. With so many advanced technologies being used today, you can have greater peace of mind knowing their smile is in good hands.

About the Author
Dr. Melissa Rozas is a pediatric dentist in Coppell, TX, who completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. After finishing her pediatric dental residency at UT/Herman Hospital, she became board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. As a firm believer in providing patients with updated and modern dental technology, she and her team provide digital x-rays that emit less radiation and are a critical component when it comes to diagnosing and treating common dental problems. If you would like to learn more about the technology used in the Coppell office, contact us at (972) 393-9779.