Kids dental x-rays are a valuable part of the exam process. These powerful tools reveal what’s going on beneath your kiddo’s gums and enamel. It is normal to want to know more about how dental x-rays function and how they help define treatment goals.

Learn more about how Milestone Kids Dentistry approaches kids’ dental x-rays now!

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How Dental X-Rays Work

X-ray technology is a remarkable way to gain insight into your child’s development. X-rays work by using concentrated electromagnetic waves to see into the dense tissue beneath the gum line. The images produced by x-rays are used to help the dentist plan the best treatment for their needs. 

During your kids’ dental x-ray procedure, hard tissues display as a milky white color on x-rays, but softer patches may display darker spots. These soft spots are signals that your kiddo may need assistance.

Are Dental X-Rays Harmful?

It seems like every day, parents ask us questions like “how often should kids get dental x-rays“ or “are dental x-rays safe?” We are always happy to answer any questions you have about treatment. 

At Milestone Kids Dentistry, we take the safety of our patients seriously. That’s why we observe every measure to protect your child. Because pediatric dental x-rays utilize powerful technology, your child will need to wear a protection apron and collar during the procedure. 

With proper precautions, the exposure from an x-ray is about the same as two days of being in the sunlight.

How We Protect Your Child

Modern breakthroughs have made it possible to minimize any ill effects from pediatric dental x-rays. Advances in x-ray technology like digital imaging mean there are fewer chances than ever of overexposing your child during an x-ray. Plus, the x-ray uses a precise beam that minimizes any overexposure. These new x-rays provide the benefits of better detection of your child’s needs. 

Additionally, x-ray wavelength dosages are measured in a unit of a quantity known as a sievert. A modern kids x-ray only requires two microsieverts of power. To put this into perspective: on an average day, your child is exposed to about ten microsieverts of background waves.

Benefits of Dental Pediatric X-rays

Kids dental x-rays provide two key benefits. First off, x-rays can be used to root out trouble spots. Many of these important areas cannot be seen with a visual inspection. These include sensitive areas like beneath fillings or under the gumline. 

X-rays also help discover issues that can arise without proper treatment. Early detection of these warning signs is crucial to getting ahead of the concern.

How Often Should Kids Get Dental X-Rays?

Children’s teeth have a thinner enamel that can cause decay to progress quicker. This means kids need more x-rays than adults. However, keep in mind that every patient has different needs.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children with a high risk of tooth decay receive an x-ray screening every six months. Children with lower risks of tooth decay will not need screenings as often.

Types of Dental X-Rays

There are a few different types of x-rays:

Intraoral X-rays

These x-rays are used to see the inside of your mouth. They can see teeth details, see how teeth are developing, and detect sugar buggies (cavities).

Extraoral X-rays

These are taken outside of the body. Extraoral x-rays help monitor the lower and upper jaw and find problems like back tooth decay or impacted teeth.

Panoramic Radiography

These x-rays show the head, teeth, jaw structure, and surrounding tissues in one comprehensive image. They help assess teeth, bone structures, and the viability of wisdom teeth. 

Orthodontic X-rays

These are x-rays that are useful for planning orthodontic treatment. These projections feature the head and the jaw and help correct malocclusions and straighten teeth.

Cone Beam Computerized Tomography

Cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) uses digital technology to create a three-dimensional picture of your child’s mouth. These are useful for seeing how the teeth are developing.

Get Pediatric X-Rays From Board-Certified Dentists

Your kiddo’s teeth are constantly changing. Tools like x-rays are effective and valuable for detecting physical changes in your little one’s mouth.

Your child deserves comprehensive pediatric dental care. At Milestone Kids Dentistry, we believe in taking the time to fully explain the pros and cons of every procedure we recommend.

Get started now by scheduling an appointment with our board-certified pediatric dentists.
Our experts can’t wait to meet you and your little one. We are available by text at 888-231-9887, over the phone at 425-512-9887, or through LiveChat.