Baby Teeth X-rays: Safe and Necessary for Kids?
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Baby Teeth X-rays: Safe and Necessary for Kids?

Are you a new parent and concerned about your kid’s oral health? Sometimes, your dentist may suggest kids’ teeth x-rays. It is a diagnostic tool that helps your dentist evaluate their teeth with cavities and suggest the best treatment. If this is the right thing to do, we have compiled all the necessary information in this blog.

Today, we will share the dental X-rays of kids under six months and more. Further, we will discuss in detail how frequently you should expose your baby’s teeth for an x-ray and how safe this procedure is. 

Meanwhile, if you are looking for pediatric dentists and oral care specialists, Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is the best choice in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Arizona.

Our Pediatric X-ray facility is fully operational for kids. Considering the advancements and recent updates in dentistry, our professionals will use the safest approach for your kids. Bring your kid for their first dental checkup for FREE

What are Baby teeth X-rays?

These dental radiographs of the baby’s teeth depict their teeth and jaws, which are impossible to check with the naked eye. It is a diagnostic tool that helps pediatric dentists understand what’s going on under the surface of their gums.  

There are few x-ray types that mostly dentists perform depending on the type of examination required. Depending on the unique purpose, your dentist can better recommend which type of x-ray to choose.

1: Periapical

This type of imaging involves the X-ray of a tooth, its root structure, and surrounding bones. This type is mainly performed to determine the abscesses and fractures in the teeth. 

2: Panoramic 

The second type is panoramic, which includes imaging the entire mouth, including the teeth, upper jaws, lower jaws, joints, sinuses, and nasal area.

This type is specified to examine extra and missing teeth, gaps, tumors, cysts, and bumps on gums. 

3: Bitewing

The last type involves an examination of crowns, premolars, and molasses of the teeth. 

What is the Right Age at which a Child should get dental X-rays?

When discussing dental x-ray in kids, age is a vital factor that can’t be neglected. Studies reveal that panoramic radiographs must be limited in children under six until an absolute need exists.

Usually, a baby teeth x-ray is performed on kids three to seven years old. 

In many dental clinics, the dental X-rays of children begin when they are five to six years old. Further, doctors recommend early imaging if the child has a history of tooth decay or is at high risk of dental cavities.  

Pediatric dentists handle such situations better depending on the problem and help parents and kids get comfortable with X-rays.

The process is more accessible for kids, and they can use a small in-mouth appliance to take pictures of their teeth. 

Here are some cases when there are chances that your dentist might recommend an X-ray:

  • To determine early signs of tooth decay.
  • To look for abnormalities such as tumors or cysts. 
  • To check the preliminary development of wisdom teeth. 
  • To see if there is enough room for incoming teeth. 

How Should Teeth Appear in a Pediatric X-ray Report?

In pediatric dentistry panoramic imaging, the more thick and dense bone material appears, the more bright it shows.

It reveals that the teeth are intact and are healthy. However, cavities can occur with dark spots on the teeth. 

Moreover, the crowns and filling made up of similar material and wires used in jaw surgery also appear bright. It takes a careful eye to capture early tooth decay on teeth as it seems faint. 

Are Dental X-rays safe for Kids?

Using x-rays for kids is a very controversial topic. Studies have limited their use for children under age six until the utmost need.

However, if your baby is tiny and you want to postpone the X-ray until a certain age, as a parent, you have every right to refuse dental X-rays for your child. 

Although the amount of radiation is minimal, it is still cumulative, and its radiation count is high. For kids especially, the number of x-rays taken is only once a year, which is counted safely. 

How Often Should Kids Get Dental X-rays?

Pediatric dentists have a better understanding of this and are more concerned about the frequency and use of radiation on kids.

Every case has different needs, and the circumstances also depend on them. Its frequency depends on several factors, including:

  • Age
  • Current oral health
  • Risk of disease
  • Signs and symptoms of oral infection

Since children are at higher risk of tooth decay than adults, they need more X-rays. According to the Canadian Dental Association, dentists must follow the ALARA principle (as low as reasonably achievable) for kids’ X-ray guidelines.

It helps protect the patients using the lowest radiation possible while still getting the clear images needed. 

FAQs

What happens during a baby teeth X-ray?

Your baby sits in a chair, and the assistant places a small sensor in the baby’s mouth, which takes pictures of their teeth and jaws from different angles. It is a quick process which is painless and takes no time.

How much do baby teeth X-rays cost?

The cost of an X-ray in babies depends on the location and dental services you take. Under a certain age, you can only get an x-ray with a dentist’s recommendation. Their cost ranges from $100 to $800 depending on several factors and is sometimes covered by the insurance. 

Can you see baby teeth on an X-ray?

Yes, you can quickly check baby teeth, including whether they are developing fine, are in the correct position, have cavities, or have any other dental problems. 

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