Digital Dental X-Rays

When Are They Necessary?

Digital X-rays help us to diagnose oral health issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and even conditions related to wisdom teeth. These X-ray images allow us to see areas of the teeth and jaw that are not visible during a routine exam.

Here are some instances when digital X-rays may be necessary:

• New patient exam: To establish a baseline of your child’s dental health.
• Monitoring oral development: For tracking the growth and development of teeth and jaw in children.
• Identifying issues: To detect cavities, infections, or injuries that cannot be seen by a visual examination.
• Pre-orthodontic evaluation: To evaluate the alignment and position of incoming teeth.

How Often Should Kids Have Digital Dental X-Rays?

The frequency depends on the child’s age, risk of tooth decay, and their overall oral health. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Low risk: Children with no history of cavities may need X-rays every 12 to 24 months.
2. Higher risk: Children with a history of cavities or who are at higher risk for tooth decay might need X-rays every 6 to 12 months.
3. Special circumstances: For orthodontic treatments or monitoring specific dental conditions, the frequency may be increased as advised by the dentist.

Advantages of Digital X-Rays

• Reduced radiation exposure: Digital X-rays use bursts of radiation that are significantly lower than conventional X-rays.
• Better image quality: Provides clearer and more precise images, aiding in improved diagnostics.
• Immediate results: Digital images are available instantly.
• Environmentally friendly: Eliminates the need for traditional film, making the process more eco-friendly. They can be uploaded and emailed to other specialists, reducing the need for physical copies.

Types of Digital X-Rays

1. Intraoral X-rays: These include bitewing X-rays, which show details of the upper and lower back teeth in a single view, and occlusal X-rays, which capture the entire arch of anterior teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.
2. Extraoral X-rays: Such as panoramic X-rays, which provide a broad view of the entire mouth including the teeth, jaw, and sinuses.

Addressing Concerns About X-Rays

We understand that many parents have concerns about radiation exposure, which is why we emphasize the benefits and safety of using digital X-ray technology:

• Lower levels of radiation: Digital options use up to 90% less radiation compared to traditional dental X-rays.
• Tailored X-ray schedule: Our dentists will only recommend X-rays when absolutely necessary to prevent and diagnose potential issues early.

The Process of Getting a Digital Dental X-Ray

Getting a digital dental X-ray at Park Pediatric Dentistry is a quick and comfortable process, designed with our young patients in mind. Here is what you can expect:

1. Preparation: Upon arrival, our friendly staff will guide you to the X-ray room. Your child will be fitted with a lead apron to protect their body from radiation exposure during the imaging process.
2. Positioning: Depending on the type of digital X-ray being taken, your child may either sit in a chair or stand next to the X-ray machine. 
   
   For intraoral X-rays, small digital sensors are placed inside the mouth to capture detailed images of specific teeth or sections of the jaw. 
   
   For extraoral X-rays like panoramic X-rays, your child will be positioned in front of the machine with their chin on a rest, which ensures a stable and accurate image of the entire mouth.
3. Taking the X-Ray: The technician will instruct your child to remain still while the digital sensor or X-ray machine captures the images. This process is very brief and typically takes just a few seconds.
4. Review: Once the X-ray is taken, the images are displayed on a computer screen almost immediately. Our dentists will review the images in detail to evaluate your child’s oral health and discuss the findings with you.
5. Next Steps: Based on the results of the X-ray, the dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan if any issues are detected. They will also explain preventive measures that could be taken to maintain your child’s dental health.

By using digital dental X-rays, we ensure that the process is not only efficient and effective but also as safe and stress-free as possible for your child.