Is It Safe to Capture a Child’s Smile Using Dental X-Rays?

October 4, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — prachddsteam @ 2:56 pm
a child looking at their dental X-rays on a nearby monitor while the dentist explains

When searching for a children’s dentist in Casper, how important is it that they use modern, advanced dental technology? Since not all common problems can be seen on the surface, it’s important that your little one’s oral health be thoroughly cared for using the safest and most effective equipment. Fortunately, your child’s dentist can put your mind at ease by explaining just how safe today’s dental X-Rays are for young smiles.

What is the Purpose of Dental X-Rays?

Just like an adult, children need to have dental X-Rays taken of their smiles. These images allow their dentist to fully view the entire oral cavity and facial structures. Because a child’s teeth, gums, and bite are continuously growing, it’s necessary to have a better understanding of what is occurring beneath the gums so that their dentist and dental team members can offer the most accurate and precise treatment plan possible.

Although these X-Rays are recommended once a year, your child’s dentist may not require them but every 2-3 years. It’s ultimately up to them as to how often your little one will need them taken. If that doesn’t sound like good news, just wait. Unlike traditional X-Rays that took significant time to produce and emitted harmful radiation, the new, more advanced systems are just the opposite.

Instead, these dental X-Ray machines emit up to 90% less radiation and produce much higher resolution images, making it easier for your child’s dentist in Casper to better view problem areas and recommend more accurate solutions.

What Can a Dental X-Ray Detect?

A dentist can easily identify the following when looking at an individual’s X-Ray:

  • The amount of space located within the mouth and determine if treatment is needed to ensure proper eruption of incoming teeth
  • Abnormalities or growths that could point to more serious oral health conditions
  • The development of wisdom teeth and their alignment (if any are impacted)
  • Tooth decay developing between teeth that cannot be seen by the naked eye
  • Infection of the tooth root or in other areas of your child’s teeth

Are They Safe?

When taking your child to the dentist and learning they require dental X-Rays, you can breathe a sigh of relief, and here’s why:

  1. Emitting up to 90% less radiation, these devices are considered much safer than the alternatives used 20-30 years ago.
  2. The images are much higher in quality, ensuring your child is recommended the appropriate treatment based on their dentist’s findings.
  3. Images are captured within minutes, allowing the dentist to spend more time preparing a treatment plan and going over how to take better care of their oral health at home.
  4. Your child will be fully protected while receiving X-Rays because of the lead apron and neck covering.

Your child’s health and safety are of the utmost importance, so if you’re unsure whether their dentist uses digital x-rays to capture these necessary images, don’t be afraid to ask.

About the Author
Dr. Erin Prach completed her studies at Eastern Washington University and the University of Colorado’s School of Dental Medicine. Also, she studied oral surgery on a mission trip to Guatemala. Her years of education and training led her to open her practice in 2015. Not only does she treat adults, but she also cares for the youngest smiles. With Dr. Prach, it’s not just about healthy teeth and gums but instead achieving greater well-being for the mouth, body, and mind. Using advanced and modern dental technology, she can ensure all children in her care remain safe. From digital X-Rays to soft tissue lasers, she offers greater solutions that produce effective results. To learn more, contact us via the website or call (307) 337-4770.

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