Talking to Your Child’s Dentist in Middletown About Dental X-Rays

When a parent goes to their child’s dentist, they are advised to ask the dentist any questions they may have about a procedure or treatment that the child is getting. This rule also applies if the child has to get a dental X-ray, which can be scary to children.

Talking to a child’s dentist in Middletown about dental X-rays

Dental X-rays are beams of energy that pass through the body to make black and white pictures of the child’s teeth and bones. When the X-ray is taken, the child has to sit still for a couple of seconds. Sometimes, the parent may be asked to help the child sit still while the X-ray is being taken. Some dentists take X-ray pictures using films that are placed in the mouth. The films are then processed to make the picture. Other dentists use plastic sensors directly connected to a computer using a wire that allows the parent to instantly see the picture.

If a dentist decides that a child needs to get X-rays, the parent should ask the child’s dentist questions. That will help them let the child know what to expect and put their mind at ease. Some of the questions that parents should ask their child’s dentist include what types of dental X-rays are there and if radiation is dangerous for the child.

The different types of dental X-rays

Bitewing, which are plastic sensors that the child will be asked to bite down on with the back teeth so the dentist can get a better look behind the child’s teeth to check for cavities.

The periapical X-rays that are used to look at the roots of front or back teeth. Each X-ray can only look at two or three teeth.

The panoramic X-ray is taken by a machine that rotates around the outside of the head to take the picture. The pictures taken by the machine can show all the teeth in the mouth and the jawbone.

Cone-beam CT is similar to the medical CT scan but uses fewer X-rays. Even though the cone-beam CT uses fewer X-rays than the medical CT scan, it uses more X-rays than the bitewing, periapical or panoramic X-rays. The cone-beam CT also helps to make 3D pictures. However, it is not used as frequently as the other X-rays.

Will the radiation in X-rays put my child at risk?

There is a very little risk from a single X-ray. However, some studies have shown a small increase in the risk of cancer even at low levels of radiation exposure, particularly in children.

Is it possible to reduce the amount of radiation my child is exposed to?

Due to the fact that X-rays may slightly increase the risk of cancer, the child’s dentist will try to make sure the child is exposed to the lowest amount of radiation possible during an X-ray by doing any of the following:

  • X-ray based specifically on the child’s needs instead of routine tests.
  • Using up-to-date equipment and techniques
  • Using thyroid collars to protect the thyroid gland from radiation and protective shields as needed for other parts of the body.

Conclusion

A child’s dentist will want to perform X-rays to help improve the child’s oral health and detect signs of cavity and tooth decay. If you are a parent and your child’s dentist wants to perform an X-ray, make sure that you talk to the dentist about any concerns you have and to ensure that your child is protected from radiation.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Oral Hygiene Basics: Brushing Thoroughly Twice A Day

Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day — once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different? This article will explore why…

How Oral Hygiene Basics Can Help Prevent Cavities

The oral hygiene basics kids need to practice to keep their teeth looking clean and breath fresh will also protect their teeth from cavities. Unfortunately, cavities are common in children. However, good cleaning habits and consistency in an oral care regimen can spare teeth from the damage and decay that causes cavities to form. Here…

Emergency Pediatric Dentist: Quick Responses To Save Your Child's Smile

An emergency pediatric dentist can resolve your child’s smile issues. Pain is the most significant sign your child needs emergency dental care. A quick response is important to give your child relief. Here are the quick treatments from your emergency pediatric dentist to restore your child’s smile.A chewing incident or a bad fall can cause…

The Role Of Pediatric Dental X-Rays In Preventing Cavities In Children

Pediatric dental X-rays play a significant role in your child’s oral health. The pediatric dentist will order this diagnostic imaging from time to time. The X-rays show what is happening underneath the gumline. Here are the details about the role of pediatric dental X-rays in keeping cavities at bay.Statistics show that 90% of adults at…

Recent Posts

Oral Hygiene Basics: Brushing Thoroughly Twice A Day

Oral Hygiene Basics: Brushing Thoroughly Twice A Day

Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day — once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different? This article will explore why…

How Oral Hygiene Basics Can Help Prevent Cavities

How Oral Hygiene Basics Can Help Prevent Cavities

The oral hygiene basics kids need to practice to keep their teeth looking clean and breath fresh will also protect their teeth from cavities. Unfortunately, cavities are common in children. However, good cleaning habits and consistency in an oral care regimen can spare teeth from the damage and decay that causes cavities to form. Here…