The Advantages of Digital X-Rays
1. Lower Radiation Exposure
Digital X-rays use up to 80 percent less radiation than traditional film X-rays. For children, this reduced exposure is particularly important because their bodies are more sensitive to radiation and they have more years ahead of them.
The radiation exposure from a single digital X-ray is comparable to the background radiation your child receives naturally in a few days. It’s minimal and well within safe limits established by health authorities.
2. Instant Results
Film X-rays required processing time. Digital X-rays appear on screen immediately, allowing Dr. Matt to review them with you right away and discuss findings in real time.
3. Enhanced Detail and Clarity
Digital imaging technology provides clearer, more detailed images than traditional film. We can zoom in, adjust contrast, and enhance specific areas to see fine details that might be missed on film X-rays.
4. Easy Comparison Over Time
Digital files are stored electronically, making it simple to compare X-rays taken months or years apart. This allows us to track changes in your child’s oral development and spot problems early.
5. Environmentally Friendly
Digital X-rays eliminate the need for chemical processing required for film X-rays. No toxic chemicals, no hazardous waste. It’s better for the environment and for your child’s safety.
What Digital X-Rays Reveal
- Cavities Between Teeth: X-rays show cavities forming between teeth and on the back surfaces where visual examination can’t reach. Early detection allows us to treat them before they become large.
- Bone Level and Gum Health: We assess the level of bone supporting your child’s teeth and identify any signs of gum disease or bone loss that might require intervention.
- Tooth Development: For children with baby teeth still present, X-rays show how permanent teeth are developing beneath the surface and when they’re likely to erupt.
- Impacted or Misaligned Teeth: X-rays reveal teeth that aren’t erupting normally, are impacted beneath the surface, or are developing at unusual angles. Early identification helps us determine if orthodontic treatment might be needed.
- Infections and Abscesses: If your child has pain or swelling, X-rays help us identify infections or abscesses that need treatment.
- Root Resorption: Sometimes the roots of baby teeth don’t resorb normally as permanent teeth try to erupt. X-rays reveal this issue so we can intervene if needed.
- Jaw Development: We monitor how your child’s jaw is developing and growing. This information helps us identify bite problems early and discuss treatment options.
- Damage from Injury: If your child has had a fall or sports injury to their mouth, X-rays help us assess damage to teeth and supporting structures.
Types of Digital X-Rays We Offer in Arnold, MO
Bitewings
These show the crown portions of upper and lower teeth together. We take bitewing X-rays to check for cavities between teeth and assess bone levels around teeth. These are the most common X-rays we take.
Periapical X-Rays
These show one or two teeth from crown to root tip. We use them to evaluate tooth structure, root development, and the bone surrounding specific teeth.
Panoramic X-Rays
This wide-view X-ray shows all teeth, both jaws, and supporting structures in one image. We use panoramic X-rays periodically to assess overall dental development and identify any problems we might otherwise miss.
Occlusal X-Rays
These show the biting surfaces of teeth and are useful for assessing tooth development in younger children or identifying retained baby teeth.
When We Recommend Digital X-Rays
- New Patient Evaluation: When we see a child for the first time, we typically take X-rays to establish a baseline and identify any existing problems.
- Problem-Focused Imaging: If your child has pain, swelling, or other symptoms, X-rays help us diagnose the problem.
- Routine Monitoring: For children at average cavity risk, we take X-rays every 12 to 24 months. Children at higher risk of decay may need X-rays more frequently.
- Developmental Assessment: Periodically, we take X-rays to monitor how your child’s permanent teeth are developing and erupting.
- Post-Treatment Follow-Up: After treating a cavity or performing other dental work, X-rays help us confirm the treatment was successful.
- Pre-Orthodontic Evaluation: If orthodontic treatment is being considered, comprehensive X-ray imaging helps the orthodontist plan treatment.
Rather than taking X-rays on a fixed schedule, Dr. Matt assesses your child’s individual needs. He recommends X-rays when he believes they’ll provide important information about your child’s dental health.
The Digital X-Ray Process
- Positioning: We gently position your child’s head and mouth so the X-ray sensor captures the desired area. For bitewing X-rays, your child bites gently on a small sensor holder.
- Protection: We always use a lead apron to protect your child’s body from radiation exposure. For thyroid protection, we may also use a thyroid collar.
- Quick Exposure: The actual X-ray exposure lasts less than a second. Your child feels nothing during the exposure.
- Immediate Review: The X-ray image appears on screen instantly. Dr. Matt reviews it with you, explaining what the image shows and answering your questions.
X-Ray Safety for Children
Digital X-ray equipment is manufactured and regulated to strict safety standards. All dental X-ray equipment undergoes regular inspection and maintenance to ensure safety. The radiation dose from dental X-rays is among the lowest radiation exposures in medical imaging. A bitewing X-ray delivers less radiation than a cross-country airplane flight.
We always protect your child’s body with a lead apron that blocks radiation from reaching the abdomen, reproductive organs, and other sensitive areas.
Risk vs. Benefits
The benefit of early detection of dental problems far outweighs the minimal radiation risk from dental X-rays. Early detection prevents more complex and invasive treatment later. We don’t take X-rays routinely without cause. Dr. Matt recommends X-rays when he believes the information will meaningfully impact your child’s care.
Digital X-Rays and Your Child’s Record
- Secure Digital Storage: X-ray images are stored securely in our digital system. Your child’s images are protected and accessible only to authorized members of our team.
- Easy Transfer: If your child sees a specialist or transfers to another dentist, we can easily transfer digital X-rays electronically. This eliminates the need for your child to undergo additional X-rays.
- Long-Term Comparison: Digital images allow us to compare X-rays taken over months or years, showing how your child’s teeth and jaw are developing and changing.
- Portable Records: If needed, we can provide digital copies of X-rays on a CD or USB drive that you can take with you or share with other healthcare providers.
Digital X-Rays for Kids Across South County
Families throughout Arnold, Oakville, Mehlville, Affton, Festus, Imperial, and surrounding South County communities appreciate our use of advanced digital X-ray technology. Parents understand that digital X-rays mean safer imaging with better detail and minimal radiation exposure for their children.
Dr. Matt’s thoughtful approach to X-ray recommendations means your child receives the diagnostic imaging needed without unnecessary exposure.
Common Questions About Digital X-Rays for Children
How often should my child have X-rays?
For children at average risk, we typically recommend X-rays every 12 to 24 months. Children at higher risk for cavities may benefit from more frequent imaging. Dr. Matt individualizes recommendations based on your child’s specific situation.
What age should my child start having X-rays?
For very young children with only a few teeth, X-rays may not be necessary. As more teeth erupt and your child is able to cooperate, we begin taking X-rays, typically around age 3 or 4.
Can my child refuse an X-ray?
X-rays are an important diagnostic tool, but they’re not mandatory. If your child is anxious about X-rays, we can discuss alternatives and work with your child to help them feel comfortable. In some cases, we can monitor without X-rays for a period.
Will X-rays show if my child has cavities?
X-rays are excellent at showing cavities between teeth and on surfaces that visual examination can’t reach. Small cavities that haven’t caused visible symptoms are often first detected on X-rays.
Are digital X-rays better than film X-rays?
Yes. Digital X-rays use less radiation, provide clearer images, and are immediately available for review. They’re the gold standard in modern dentistry.
What if my child is afraid to bite on the sensor?
We understand. For anxious children, we can use different positioning techniques, use a sensor holder that doesn’t require biting, or take panoramic X-rays that don’t require sensor positioning inside the mouth.
Can I stay in the room during X-rays?
Yes. Your presence provides reassurance for your child. You’ll also wear a lead apron for protection.
What if my child has a gag reflex?
A gag reflex makes sensor positioning in the mouth challenging. We can use techniques to minimize gagging, or we can take different types of X-rays that don’t require intraoral sensor placement.
How do I know if my child really needs X-rays?
Dr. Matt explains his reasoning when he recommends X-rays. He’ll tell you what specific information he’s looking for and why he believes X-rays will help assess your child’s dental health.
Are there risks from the lead apron?
No. The lead apron protects your child by blocking radiation. There are no risks associated with wearing a lead apron during X-rays.
Schedule Your Child’s Digital X-Ray Assessment in Arnold, MO
Dr. Matt uses digital X-rays as a tool to provide the best possible care for your child. His approach is always to use imaging thoughtfully, when it will provide valuable information, while minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure. His training and experience inform his clinical judgment about when X-rays are truly needed and when they can be deferred.
If your child is due for a dental checkup and X-ray assessment, or if you have questions about digital imaging, contact us.
Pediatric Dentistry of Arnold
22 Arnold Mall Arnold, MO 63010
(314) 230-8615
Call to schedule an appointment. We’re here to provide the diagnostic imaging and comprehensive dental care your child needs to maintain a healthy smile.
