What are x-rays for children at the dentist used for?

X-rays are also called radiographs and they are an important diagnostic tool for dentists. They help the dentist

• see how the teeth of your child are erupting into the mouth
• see how many, how big, and where the teeth are if they are still inside the gums
• find out whether there are any missing teeth or extra teeth
• monitor mouth injuries and teeth injuries
• determine whether the teeth or the mouth are infected
• prepare for braces or any other orthodontic treatment
• detect problems that can not be seen in a visual exam
• spot bone diseases if there are any

There is no standard time frame as to when your child’s mouth should be x-rayed. The need will vary from the child’s development to the child’s health. If your child has several cavities, fillings, and is at a high risk of further tooth decay, then your dentist may have to x-ray your child every six months. Until the problem is under control, your child will have to go through this. The need for x-rays will depend on how well the child brushes and flosses. Some children will not need to go through x-rays as often. If x-rays aren’t taken when needed then the problems may become worse. Five types of x-rays can be done on your child and they depend on the goal. They are

• bitewing x-rays or cavity detecting x-rays. These x-rays can see the areas between the teeth. These areas can not be seen directly with the eyes. The x-rays will reveal where the cavities are starting. These x-rays are needed after the teeth at the back of your mouth are in contact with each other. This may not happen in some children. They have to wait for the first permanent molar to erupt into the mouth
• panoramic x-rays are x-rays that are used to view all of the teeth on one film. It will show the upper jaw, the lower jaw, the temporomandibular joint or the TMJ, and the sinuses above the upper teeth. These x-rays are used if a child has gotten hurt in their face, at risk for orthodontic problems, is mentally disabled, or is physically disabled. Unlike other x-rays, film is not required to be put in the child’s mouth. Children gag easily and may cause the x-ray to fail. The x-ray has to be exposed for half a minute and the patient must sit still throughout this time
• periapical x-rays are used to view the entire crown and roots of some teeth. The x-ray will show the supporting bone structures of the teeth. It will also show the permanent teeth that are growing beneath the baby teeth. These x-rays are mostly used to identify abscesses and gum disease
• occlusal x-rays are used to view the upper teeth and the lower teeth on one film. This is useful if the dentist doesn’t have a panoramic x-ray machine available
• orthodontic x-rays or what others may know as cephalometric or lateral skull x-rays. This type of x-ray will show the head from the side. It is used to evaluate the growth of the jaws in relation to the growth of the bones in the skull. This will help your orthodontist make an accurate diagnosis and develop the best treatment plan

Dental x-rays are safe and they only expose your children to a minimal amount of radiation. If all the safety precautions are taken, the x-ray equipment will eliminate all the unnecessary radiation and will simply focus the x-ray beam on a specific part of your mouth. High speed film will enable your dentist to remove a significant amount of radiation. With a lead apron, you can even protect your genitals and your thyroid glands.