If you’ve ever brought your child to the dentist for a routine checkup, you know that dental x-rays are typically part of the visit. As a parent, you may be wondering if these digital images are really necessary, and are they safe for your child?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children receive dental X-rays only when necessary for diagnosis and treatment. As your trusted dentist at Gainesville Dental Group, we consider your child’s individual needs and risks before making a recommendation for X-rays. You’ll be glad to know that not only are x-rays safe, but they can be a very valuable tool to prevent minor dental problems from becoming major disruptions.
Dental X-rays, like all medical procedures, carry some potential risks. However, when used appropriately and with appropriate precautions, dental X-rays are generally considered safe for children.
The Truth About Radiation Exposure During Dental Imaging
At Gainesville Dental Group, we adhere to the ADA’s recommendations for the use of protective equipment, such as lead aprons and thyroid collars, to minimize exposure to radiation. Additionally, our dental X-ray machines are designed to limit the amount of radiation exposure. Our digital X-rays require much less radiation than traditional film X-rays that was used in the past.
The amount of radiation in a pediatric dental X-ray varies depending on the type of X-ray and the specific procedure being performed. However, the amount of radiation exposure from dental X-rays is generally very low and considered safe for pediatric patients.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the radiation exposure from a digital dental X-ray is about 80% less than the exposure from a traditional film X-ray. The amount of radiation exposure from a pediatric dental X-ray is typically measured in millisieverts (mSv). A typical digital dental X-ray exposes a child to about 0.005-0.01 mSv of radiation, which is considered a very small amount.
To put this in perspective, the average person in the United States is exposed to about 3 mSv of radiation per year from natural sources such as the sun and soil. A single chest X-ray exposes a person to about 0.1 mSv of radiation, which is about 10 times more than a typical dental X-ray.
Overall, the risk of harm from radiation exposure during a pediatric dental X-ray is extremely low, and the benefits of the X-ray in diagnosing and treating dental conditions usually outweigh the potential risks.
Why are Dental X-Rays Important for My Child?
A dental X-ray can show several important things that are not visible to the naked eye during a regular dental exam. At Gainesville Dental Group, our pediatric dental X-rays can show the following:
- Cavities or Tooth Decay: X-rays can show cavities or tooth decay that are not visible during a regular exam, especially in areas between teeth or beneath fillings.
- Tooth and Root Positioning: X-rays can show the position of teeth and roots, including impacted teeth and teeth that have not yet erupted.
- Bone Loss: X-rays can show the level of bone supporting the teeth, which can help diagnose gum disease or other conditions that affect the jawbone.
- Abscesses or cysts: X-rays can show abscesses or cysts that may be developing at the root of a tooth.
- Dental Injuries: X-rays can show fractures, chips, or other injuries to the teeth.
- Need for Orthodontic Treatment: X-rays can help us evaluate the position of teeth and the development of the jaw and determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary.
Want to learn more about dental X-rays for kids at Gainesville Dental Group? These digital images are an important diagnostic tool that help us identify and treat dental problems before they become more serious. Our practice is proud to offer accurate, efficient and safe x-ray technology to families in Gainesville.
Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group
