Chicago Dental X-Rays for Pediatric Patients
Almost everyone who has visited a dentist has undergone dental radiographs as part of their preventative treatment plan. Radiographs, also known as X-rays, are a quick and easy way for dentists to get a better overall view of a patient’s teeth. Dental X-rays are safe and do not cause any discomfort, and they also play an important role in preventative care.
Dental X-rays are used to detect dental conditions that are difficult or impossible to see with the naked eye. Our pediatric dentist in Palos Heights, IL utilize radiology for the diagnosis and treatment of various oral health issues, including cavities, bite alignment problems, bone density loss, and for evaluating injuries and dental development.
Types of Dental X-Rays
There are different types of X-rays performed by pediatric dentists to diagnose and evaluate children’s dental health. The purpose of the X-ray will determine what type the dentist chooses.
- Bitewing X-rays provide imaging of teeth in one area of the mouth at a time. This type of X-ray is often used to locate cavities that are hidden between teeth, and assess the bone density of the jaw.
- Periapical X-rays focus on only one or two teeth at a time, showing the full length of the tooth from the crown to the root. This allows for diagnosis of cavities and issues relating to the jaw bone and roots of teeth.
- Panoramic X-rays capture an image of the patient’s entire mouth. These X-rays allow your dentist to assess the development of your child’s smile, including emerging or impacted teeth. In some cases, tumors can be detected with this type of imaging, as well.
- Occlusal X-rays provide a full view of the top and/or bottom jaw. These images can be used to see how teeth fit together.
- Orthodontic X-rays show the entire side of a patient’s head in order to assess potential orthodontic needs.
Why Dental X-rays of Kids’ Teeth are Necessary
Dental X-rays are a diagnostic tool that are used in addition to the oral exam your dentist performs to inspect the health of your teeth and gums. This is because there are many dental conditions that cannot be detected with a visual examination alone.
Dental X-rays of a child’s mouth can provide a thorough, 3-D view of their teeth and dental structure, from the biting surfaces of teeth, all the way down to the roots and jaw bone. X-rays help prevent potential dental problems from developing and minor issues from progressing. This helps ensure that any existing dental issues are treated as soon as possible so they don’t become more serious and costly.
What are Dental X-Rays Used For?
Below are some examples of what dental X-rays are used for at Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry:
- Cavity Detection
- Surveying Smile Structure and Development
- Evaluation of an Injury (i.e. tooth cracks, breaks, and below-the-surface issues)
- Orthodontic Needs
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Many people have questioned- and studied -the dangers associated with radiation exposure in relation to radiographs, or X-rays. While X-rays do expose patients, the amount of radiation produced in a modern dentistry setting is negligible. At our dental office, we also use lead body aprons to minimize exposure, limiting X-rays to the area of interest.
Failure to treat undiagnosed dental conditions can result in serious, potentially painful problems down the road, leading to the need for more expensive and invasive treatment. This is why we believe taking X-rays of children’s teeth is essential to protecting their oral health, and that the benefits far outweigh the risks.
Kids Dental X-Rays near Chicago, IL
Curious to know more about our pediatric dental X-ray recommendations? Then get in touch with our staff to schedule an appointment with Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry today and protect your child’s smile tomorrow.
