Are you wondering whether your child's dental visit should include X-rays? Read on to find out. There is much more to your teeth than what you can see with the naked eye. During a dental visit, an X-ray is used to examine the areas of your teeth that cannot be seen, such as the spaces between teeth and inside each tooth itself. Radiology images allow dentists to observe what is happening under the gum line.
Pediatric dentists utilize dental X-rays to look inside the teeth, including the tooth's root and everything in between. The diagnostic imaging instrument employs unique electromagnetic radiation energy to obtain pictures of the mouth, teeth, gums, and jawbone.
Digital X-rays are used at the dental office to capture the child’s teeth. It is generally considered safe to use X-rays, and the radiation dose is further reduced by using digital X-rays. Also, the dentist may enlarge the photographs on their computer screen to get a better overview of what is happening. Thanks to modern radiology software, they can also compare the most current X-ray with any previous X-rays.
X-rays are a vital tool for pediatric dentists because they allow them to detect oral problems that are not evident to the human eye. Detecting dental problems early may help avoid more serious oral health concerns in the future. For example, if cavities are not treated in time, an infection might set into the tooth, meaning the dentist might have no other option but to remove it.
In addition to detecting cavities, dental X-rays allow dentists to gauge the severity of tooth damage. X-rays may detect cysts, abscesses, and other odd growths. From the X-ray images, the dental professional can see the adult teeth that have not yet emerged from under the child’s gums, allowing them to ensure that they are not in danger of being impacted (getting trapped under the gum).
Dental X-rays are necessary to track jaw development as well as the eruption of permanent teeth in children. Dental X-rays are also used to examine the condition of the bone around the root of the tooth, known as the alveolar bone, and to search for missing teeth that have not yet broken through the gums.
The frequency of dental X-rays your child needs is based on various factors, including their age, oral health, and potential for illness. Dental X-rays may be required more often in children because of the various changes in their mouths and the greater risk of cavities. On the other hand, Digital X-rays allow dentists to get the pictures they need quickly and painlessly.
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Pediatric dentists use dental X-rays to monitor, diagnose, and plan for your child’s oral health. Contact our dental office today to schedule a dental visit for your child.
Request an appointment or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at 703-391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
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The main concern of pediatric dentistry is the health of your child’s teeth and gums. A child’s oral health is so important that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents schedule a child’s first dental visit no later than the first birthday. During an appointment, the dentist can provide insight on how to…
In pediatric dentistry, dental professionals understand that parents play a big role in their children's oral health. You are a guide and model along the way, helping your children build healthy habits and routines. However, cavities in children are common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 50% of children between…