Pediatric dental x-rays
Boca Raton Pediatric Dentist
What is a pediatric x-ray?
A pediatric x-ray is smaller than an adult dental x-ray done in the office. This makes it more comfortable for the child to have the x-ray taken and is specifically sized to be easier to place into the child’s mouth. Depending on the patient’s needs, a panoramic x-ray may be a more comfortable alternative to smaller radiographs.
Why are pediatric x-rays needed?
Keeping your child’s teeth healthy involves the use of dental x-rays. X-rays help detect problems that would otherwise go unnoticed during your child’s routine bi-annual exam. Likewise, x-rays are crucial in spotting signs of adult teeth coming in underneath the baby teeth and keeping an eye on orthodontic abnormalities.
Other reasons include:
- Looking for signs of decay
- Looking for signs of tooth development
- Looking for bone issues underneath the gum line
- Viewing positioning of adult teeth
Are pediatric x-rays safe?
All dental x-rays require very little radiation to be used, so your child is safe while having the radiographs taken. Likewise, there are protective measures that are taken to minimize your child’s exposure to radiation such as the use of lead aprons. Your dentist will also only order the number of x-rays needed to reduce radiation exposure, so you can always feel confident your child is getting the best care possible even while x-rays are being taken.
What can you expect with pediatric x-rays?
Our friendly team member will drape a lead apron over your child’s midsection. We then place a tiny, comfortable device inside of the mouth and behind several of their teeth. Our x-ray machine is then aimed at this device and the image is taken. We repeat this exact process for all other necessary x-rays. Our team of experts will then review your child’s x-rays to help in creating a unique treatment plan. We often recommend that x-rays be taken regularly and at most appointments.
If you would like to learn more about x-rays and how they’re taken, call us today and we will be happy to further assist you.
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