Digital X-Rays for Children in Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Roswell, GA
Why Do Pediatric Dentists Use X-Rays?
X-rays are a fundamental part of a pediatric dentist’s ability to diagnose and monitor the health of children’s dental health. Examinations that only rely on the visual examination of the doctor are not enough, because there are some aspects that the eye cannot see.
By taking X-rays, Alpharetta pediatric dentists will then be able to see much more, including:
- Baby and permanent teeth growing out or erupting
- Dental and bone disease
- Diagnose early orthodontic health or concerns
- Evaluate any oral injuries
- Causes of any swelling in the mouth
The ability to use X-rays allows dentists the most thorough and complete picture of the status of a child’s oral and dental health. X-rays are necessary to help diagnose cavities located in between teeth, which we are unable to detect by a regular oral exam and it also provides us with information regarding the size of the cavities. Not only do X-rays detect decay, but also provide us with information regarding the growth pattern of erupting permanent teeth. Dental X-rays are also used to evaluate results from trauma, diagnose any bone disease or oral pathology, abscess or cyst development, tumor development, and plan orthodontic treatment.
Frequency of X-Ray Use
It is important to minimize the use of X-rays on patients as we don’t want to expose patients to large levels of radiation. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the use of radiographs (x-rays) every 6 months for children with a high risk of tooth decay.
Most Alpharetta pediatric dentists take X-rays once a year as we only want to be taking X-rays when there is cause for concern for dental disease or cavities.
As the risk of tooth decay decreases, so does too the need for any X-rays. Parents, please remember that if you wish to avoid as much as possible that your child undergoing any thorough review with x-rays, you’ll have to place much care in their oral health.
Are X-Rays Safe?
With the advancement of dental technologies, x-rays have gotten much safer over the decades. Digital X-rays today have 80%-90% less radiation than traditional film radiography. In addition, there are many modern tools used to help shield and protect your child from unnecessary X-ray exposure. These include lead body aprons and shields.
In addition, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry continually reports that the amount of radiation that is received during a dental x-ray is minor and represents a lower risk than that of leaving a tooth untreated and susceptible to dental disease.
FAQ
What do dental X rays check for?
Dental x-rays in Alpharetta are needed for your child’s dental exams. Alpharetta Dentists and orthodontists use X-rays to see the placement of your child’s teeth and roots. X-rays also show if there are signs of dental decay or cavities. They allow them to see what their eyes cannot.
What are the different types of dental X rays?
There are two different types of dental X-rays in Johns Creek that pediatric dentists and orthodontists use. The first is x-rays that are taken inside of the mouth; these are called intraoral. The second x-ray is taken from the outside of the mouth and is called extraoral.
Do kids need dental X rays?
Dental X-rays for kids in Alpharetta are needed. Dentists can only see so much when they look at your children’s teeth. X-rays help to see roots, and decay, which most of the time cannot be seen with their eyes. Typically x-rays get done twice a year.
What age should kids get dental X rays?
Dental X-rays for kids in Johns Creek are needed when they come in for their first visit. Dental X-rays are not harmful to your children and are safe. Remember, the sooner your children come in to be seen by a pediatric dentist Alpharetta, the better their oral hygiene will be over time.
Can dentists see cavity without X rays?
Dental x-rays for kids in Roswell are needed the majority of the time to see cavities. However, if the cavities are severe and large, the dentist can see the decay and even see breakage in the tooth. We never want to see our patient’s teeth get to the point of breakage. If your child has not been seen in a while, call for an appointment today.