Dental x-rays are often required to look for signs of decay, infection and to monitor the growth and positioning of a child or teen’s teeth. While most adults know the importance of having dental x-rays done, they often fear the amount of radiation that is needed to process these images on their child. At the office, the lowest radiation possible is used to take x-rays of your child’s teeth. This limits their exposure to the radiation that is being used while still producing high-quality digital x-rays. Because digital x-rays are used, the images of your child’s teeth are created immediately after the x-ray is taken. No processing in a dark room is required, which means a quicker and more thorough evaluation by the dentist.

For routine dental exams on infants and toddlers, x-rays are almost never needed because of the newly budding teeth. However, as the child begins to age and their teeth fall out, x-rays are needed to determine the positioning of the permanent teeth as well as to look for orthodontic problems that could become an issue. X-rays are also an important tool to use when looking for signs of decay and infection that may be difficult to detect otherwise.

Because the lowest amount of radiation is being used to develop these x-rays, your child is safe and protected while in the office having the process done. A lead apron is also draped on your child while x-rays are being taken to protect them while the assistant or hygienist takes their x-rays.