Dental X-Rays for Children
Since your kiddo’s teeth are constantly changing as they grow, dental x-rays are necessary to help diagnose issues that a physical exam can't detect.
The professionals at Milestone Kids Dentistry are ready to provide your little one with a relaxing and comfortable experience. Learn more about pediatric dental x-rays by scheduling an appointment now!
What Are Dental X-Rays For?
Pediatric dental x-rays are an essential tool for your child’s health. We use x-rays to diagnose what’s happening underneath the enamel and gums.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises recommends dental x-rays for assessing certain conditions, including:
- Sugar buggies — what we call cavities.
- Tooth pain.
- Periodontal disease or related gum conditions.
- Prematurely loose teeth
- Tooth erosion.
- Swelling of gums.
Dental exams are prescribed based on your child’s age, the likelihood of disease, and overall oral health.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe For Kids?
Many parents ask us, “are dental x-rays safe?” We understand your concern. At Milestone Kids Dentistry, we’re always happy to answer any question about our treatments.
Simply put: dental x-rays have a very low risk of complications. Modern x-rays use a precise beam that minimizes unwanted exposure. In addition to being safer, these x-rays have far better imaging capabilities than ever before.
We take the safety of our patients seriously at Milestone Kids Dentistry. We follow every precaution to ensure your child has a safe and productive visit. We use additional safety measures like aprons and collars to provide total protection.
Learn more about how Milestone Kids Dentistry provides safe and constructive appointments for children 0-18 now!
When & How Often Should Kids Have Dental X-Rays?
There are developmental differences in your child’s teeth that can increase your child’s risk of decay. For example, children have a thinner enamel structure during their developing years. Frequent x-rays during childhood can help identify areas that require more intervention.
Children with a high risk of tooth decay should plan on getting x-rays every six months. However, no two children will require the same intervention. If your kiddo isn’t showing any concerning signs, they may need less frequent x-ray screenings.
Types of Dental X-Rays
We use many types of dental x-rays to get a sense of your child’s needs, including:
Extraoral X-Rays
Extraoral X-rays are used to assess the upper and lower jaw and locate issues like impacted teeth or decaying teeth.
Intraoral X-Rays
Intraoral X-rays provide an up-close look of tooth development on the inside of the mouth. They are used to assess the development of teeth and identify sugar buggies.
Panoramic Radiography
Panoramic radiographs are used not only for observation of developing wisdom teeth but are used between ages 7-9 to observe developing dentition and surrounding structures.
Orthodontic X-Rays
Orthodontic x-rays are a valuable tool for planning orthodontic intervention. These x-rays can be used to identify malocclusions and consider treatment options.
The Best Pediatric Dental X-Rays in The Community North of Seattle
Milestone Kids Dentistry specializes in complete pediatric dental services for all ages of children. Whether your little one is an infant, toddler, young adolescent, or a teen, we’d love to help them access the dental care they need to develop a healthy smile.
Schedule online, give us a call, or send us a text to get started. We hope to see you soon!