X-Rays Safe for Kids

Imagine this…. You've taken your child to the dentist and the dentist wants to get x-rays of your child's teeth. You can't answer right away because you have questions. Aren't x-rays dangerous? Dental x-rays have many benefits. As an adult, you may have had x-rays taken at the dentist to find cavities, check on impacted wisdom teeth, or plan for an implant. However, you're an adult. You wonder if x-rays are safe for a much smaller person.

X-rays have been around for a while. They have gone through many upgrades over the years to make them easier and safer—for people of all ages. Keep reading to find out just how safe x-rays are. Even for kids.

The History of Dental X-Rays

X-rays were invented by German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen in 1895. He discovered that there existed a light energy that could not pass through metal or bone, even when they could pass through other substances. By directing this energy to a photographic plate, he could produce shadowy images of metal and bones. One of the first x-rays was of Wilhelm's wife's hand! Three dentists—one in Boston, one in New York, and one in New Orleans—all successfully developed equipment to take dental x-rays in 1896. However, the practice of routinely taking dental x-rays did not start until the 1950s, when radiation and electrocution protocols had been established to make x-rays safe.

From the 1950s to the 1980s, x-ray technology, equipment, and techniques were improved upon. Dentists were able to see what was going on with their patient's teeth and jawbone and provide treatment. During this time, dental x-rays were taken on photographic film that needed to be developed. By the 1990s, photographic film was slowly replaced with digital x-rays. Digital x-rays provide a near-instant, more precise image using digital photography. Today, digital x-rays are the dental industry standard.

The Benefits of Dental X-Rays

Digital x-rays can be enlarged and manipulated for Dr. Beanca Chu and our dental team to get a clear, detailed look at all areas of the mouth and jaw. As a bonus, they are also environmentally friendly since no chemicals are needed to develop film. New dental technology called "subtraction radiography" allows dentists to compare new x-rays to old ones by subtracting parts of the images that are the same, leaving only the changes in view.

3D technology allows dentists a fuller picture of the teeth, the jaw, and all surrounding structures. All the better to fully diagnose and treat any issues that crop up. Dental x-rays don't only give a clear picture of the teeth and jaw. Today, digital x-rays give dentists a picture of what's going on underneath the surface. Infections, decay, and other anomalies are brought to light. Of special significance when dealing with children, digital x-rays provide information about tooth development and jawline health.

Other benefits of digital dental x-rays for kids include:

  • Checking the position of the jawbone
  • Checking for a misaligned bite
  • Confirming there is room for wisdom teeth
  • Wisdom teeth alignment
  • Looking for decay in hard-to-view locations (between teeth, under the gum surface)
  • Making sure baby teeth are falling out correctly (and on schedule)
  • Determining whether there is room for incoming teeth
  • Checking for cysts, tumors, or lesions

Taken over a period of time, dental x-rays provide valuable information about a child's dental health. Potential issues can be discovered and corrected before they become serious.

Types of Dental X-Rays

There are several types of dental x-rays used at Dr. Beanca Chu’s Children's Dentistry. Each one has a defined purpose for pediatric dentists.

Bitewing: Bitewing x-rays capture specific areas of the mouth; they are the most common x-ray taken when visiting the dentist. These are great for discovering decay—especially at the gumline—and bone loss due to infection or gum disease. They also offer a good view of how the upper and lower teeth line up.

Panoramic: The entirety of the mouth is captured in a single image with a panoramic x-ray. With this image, the dentist is given complete information about a child's dental development.

Occlusal: Occlusal x-rays are particularly helpful for pediatric dentists. These x-rays help the dentist track the placement and development of a section of teeth or the entire arch of teeth. With these x-rays, pediatric dentists can view baby teeth or adult teeth that have not yet broken through a child's gums.

Periapical: Periapical x-rays put the focus on one or two teeth from root to crown. These images can detect any anomalies or changes in the root of the tooth or any surrounding structures.

Cephalometric: Cephalometric x-rays are often used when planning orthodontic work. An image of the entire side of the child's head is taken, giving a whole view of the teeth and jaw.

Cone Beam Computerized Tomography: All other x-rays provide the pediatric dentist with a 2D look at a child's teeth and jaw. With cone beam computerized tomography, a 3D view is provided, offering even more information on the status of a child's mouth area.

Prepping for a Dental X-Ray

Digital x-rays emit 80% - 90% less radiation than x-rays taken with film. On top of this, pediatric dentists at Dr. Beanca Chu’s office, we will take every precaution when taking an x-ray of a child's teeth. If a pediatric dentist has deemed that x-rays are, indeed, necessary, a child will wear a lead apron and a thyroid collar to shield their body from radiation. The sensor used is small and targeted, lessening radiation exposure. Also minimizing the risk is the fact that the most common x-ray, the bitewing, only takes one-tenth of a second to shoot.

The dentist will explain to a child the reason for taking an x-ray and the procedure that will be used. No longer do children have to bite down on painful squares of film to capture images, so the experience shouldn't be uncomfortable. Kids may find it cool to be able to check out a different view of their teeth—and help them to understand why good dental habits are important. A child is exposed to limited amounts of radiation when x-rays are taken, but the risk of harmful effects is low. Keep in mind that children with a low risk of tooth decay will need fewer x-rays. Good dental health practices at home will mean less x-rays at a child's dental check-up.

So, Your Child Needs Dental X-Rays…

Your pediatric dentist will share the purpose for any x-rays they order for your child, especially is there is a suspected problem the dentist is looking for. They will offer details about the type of x-ray being taken and all the steps that will be taken to ensure your child's safety.

Contact Dr. Beanca Chu’s office in Huntington Beach, CA, where we are always happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your child and x-rays.