Dental Radiographs (X-rays)

Radiographs (X-Rays) are a vital and necessary part of your child’s dental diagnostic process. Without them, certain dental conditions can and will be missed.

Radiographs detect much more than cavities. For example, radiographs may be needed to survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, evaluate the results of an injury, or plan orthodontic treatment. Radiographs allow dentists to diagnose and treat health conditions that cannot be detected during a clinical examination. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for your child and more affordable for you.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends radiographs and examinations every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. On average, most pediatric dentists request radiographs approximately once a year. Approximately every 3 years it is a good idea to obtain a complete set of radiographs, either a panoramic and bitewings or periapicals and bitewings.

With the advances in computer aided dentistry, we now provide our patients the latest diagnostic imaging, also known as Digital Radiography (x-rays). Instead of biting down on dental film, a digital x-ray uses a wireless sensor. Where it used to take 4-6 minutes to process a regular dental x-ray, it now takes less than 30 seconds to produce the image. Since digital x-rays are processed by the computer, they are environmentally friendly – no chemicals or waste.