How Does a Kid Friendly Dentist Use X-rays?

Taking your child to see a kid friendly dentist every six months is important for their dental health and development. Professional cleanings can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease while regular visits help children feel more comfortable for future dental care. Dentists can also use a variety of tools, including X-rays, for the early detection and treatment of significant dental issues.

The importance of dental X-rays for children

Many dentists recommend X-rays starting at a young age for good reason; this type of imaging can detect issues below the surface before they become problematic. Because younger children are not always able to tolerate extensive dental work well, prevention and early detection are often preferred.

Detecting cavities 

X-rays can highlight tooth decay that is invisible to the naked eye, even if it is well trained to detect cavities. The images can also show the true extent of the damage. This allows the dentist to make a more informed decision about which treatment approach to take.

Monitoring tooth decay

In younger patients, dentists often prefer to avoid or delay fillings if at all possible. When decay is relatively small and minor, improving home care and using topical treatments may be enough to slow it until the baby tooth falls out on its own. Dentists will use X-rays to monitor tooth decay to make sure it is not progressing too quickly or requires other treatment.

Studying bone and tooth development

Many kid friendly dentists want to see X-rays of even the healthiest mouths to show how things are developing below the gum line. This allows them to study how the baby and adult teeth are forming and lining up for future eruptions. It also allows for the detection of any potential issues with jaw or palate formation.

Treating injuries

Dental injuries are common in children. X-rays help dentists see the extent of the damage to select the appropriate procedure for treatment. They may also be used to monitor chipped or cracked teeth, as these are at risk of becoming abscessed.

How to understand dental X-rays

The risk for radiation exposure during an X-ray is minimal. However, a kid friendly dentist will usually take extra precautions to protect the youngest patients from unnecessary exposure. This may include the use of heavy aprons and collars. In addition, a dentist will only request X-rays if they are truly necessary or beneficial for the patient.

Children must be able to sit completely still during the process, so X-rays are not usually done until close to age three. Most patients can expect to have them once a year, however, they may need to be taken more frequently if the dentist is monitoring an existing condition or if the child has a high risk for certain dental issues. Kids with excellent dental health and low risks for problems may require them less often.

Conclusion

Dental X-rays play an important role in maintaining a child's dental health. Early detection of many issues can result in less invasive treatments and better outcomes for the patient. A kid friendly dentist can direct parents in choosing a schedule that is appropriate for each child's unique needs.

Request an appointment here: https://www.biancodentistry.com or call Dental Health Associates, PC at (503) 862-3270 for an appointment in our Portland office.

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