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Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Children?

Taking x-rays is a common procedure in any dentist’s office. It’s very quick and painless to get x-rays taken, but it’s understandable that some people, particularly parents, become concerned about the risks involved, especially in regards to the radiation exposure. While it’s true that children can be very susceptible to overall health problems for a variety of reasons, it is very safe for them to have dental x-rays taken.

What Are Dental X-Rays?
In order to understand the full scope of your dental health, your dentist needs to see beyond the surface enamel of your teeth. To get information on the health of your teeth, their roots, your gums and the bones in your jaw, your dentist takes images of your mouth from several angles. Using x-ray or radiograph technology, these images allow dental professionals to see hidden cavities, impacted teeth, root issues, periodontal disease and any other issues.

Why Are Dental X-Rays Necessary?
When it comes to normal x-rays done on your legs, arms or torso, you typically only need those performed at the insistence of a doctor after being prompted by an injury, pain or illness. However, dental x-rays are usually done once every year. This is because your dental health is always changing, especially when you’re a child. As a child grows up, their head and jaw continue to change shape, their baby teeth fall out and their permanent teeth start growing in. In order to ensure that your child’s teeth are growing and emerging properly, x-rays are necessary. When the permanent teeth come through, x-rays can help determine what dental work, if any, your child might need in the future, such as Invisalign. Continued dental x-rays will help spot any other common problems early and allow them to get proper treatment as soon as possible to maintain good dental health throughout their lives.

How Are X-Rays Made Safe for Children?
Normal film x-ray technology is very safe for children. The amount of radiation that a child is exposed to during a typical x-ray session is no worse than the usual radiation that they are exposed to on a normal day. They are also given lead vests to wear and shields are placed on the equipment to help deter additional unnecessary radiation exposure. Today, x-ray technology is even safer. X-ray machines, such as those used at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa, use digital imagery instead of traditional film. Through the use of this technology, patients are only exposed to as little as 10 percent as much radiation as they would with a film x-ray. Lead vests and shields are still used as a precaution, lowering the amount of exposure even further.

What Else Should Parents Know About Dental X-Rays for Children?
While adults only need to have x-rays taken once every year, children are more susceptible to tooth decay and dental issues brought on by the development and emergence of permanent teeth. As a result, your dentist will likely want dental x-rays done on your child once every six months or once a year. Every child is different, so their suggested schedule will differ based on their dental history and any issues that occur as they grow. You may not believe that it's necessary to have dental x-rays done on your child before they develop their permanent teeth. However, this is false. It's just as important to get x-rays done on baby teeth as it is on permanent teeth. Taking x-rays of baby teeth allows dentists to get a good idea of how the child’s permanent teeth will form. Gathering this information early helps your dentist notify parents of any concerns they have about the future dental health of their child and make appropriate plans for any treatment that might be necessary in the future. Some children are very uncomfortable or scared of getting their x-rays taken, but there’s no reason to be concerned about this. At the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre, in Ottawa, our dental professionals are trained in helping children relax and stay calm during the entire examination process, including taking x-rays. Parents may also be invited into the room for additional support and comfort to the child during any procedure that may make a child particularly anxious.

In short, yes dental x-rays are safe for children. They are also necessary in order to keep up good dental health. If you or your child are in need of a dental exam, visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa today. Contact us to book an appointment and feel free to ask any more questions you are unsure about; we are always happy to help!


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