Kids Dental in Stafford VA

Are Dental X-Rays Safe For Kids? We Say Yes!

For adults, taking a trip to the dentist involves checking for cavities, having a cleaning and x-rays taken, but are dental x-rays safe for kids?

X-rays are said to be the most important tool to determine if fillings are needed. They also check for any missing or extra teeth, identify bone or gum diseases, and allow the dentist to examine the size and position of teeth.

It is important to diagnose and correct any issues to prevent long term damage. At some point in time, your child may need braces, and x-rays are a helpful factor in deciding the right course of treatment.

Parents may worry about the exposure to radiation, but thanks to technology digital x-rays are now available!

Traditional film x-rays produce a very small amount of radiation. They were previously printed in poor quality then scanned onto a computer. Digital x-rays minimize exposure to any radiation by 90%! The digital x-ray beams are precise and target only the specific area, which also minimizes radiation production.

Dentists may use a variety of x-rays depending on the child’s needs.

• Bitewing X-rays – Isolate cavities between the teeth, which is extremely hard to see.
• Periapical X-rays – View several adjoining teeth and the supporting bone structure. This is helpful to see the teeth growing underneath baby teeth.
• Panoramic x-rays – View of the entire mouth, both lower and upper jaws.
• Occlusal X-rays – An option to panoramic if the child has a smaller mouth or gags easily.
• Orthodontic x-rays – Evaluate the side of the head, jaw, and teeth.

During the x-ray process, kids are made to feel safe and comfortable! A lead apron and thyroid shield are given to wear to prevent any radiation exposure. These new digital x-rays are kept on computers so the dentist can monitor each child’s oral health quickly and efficiently. There is no more waiting for long periods of time or having to come back for a different appointment. Digital x-rays are captured immediately and in high quality.

A pediatric dentist has additional training beyond regular dental school so they are better equipped to handle the development and care of children’s teeth. A child’s teeth go through different stages of development: their first set of teeth grown in, then they fall out, and then their new set grows in. A pediatric dentist is trained to handle all these different stages of development as well as educate kids through the process.

What’s Unique About Kids Dental Visits?

Depending on the age of the child, what occurs at a dental visit may vary. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should make their first dentist visit by their first birthday. This visit will focus on making sure your child’s teeth are not at risk of cavities and the dentist will be able to provide information on proper care for your child’s teeth as they grow in.  Check out Age 1 Dental Visit for my information.

Around the age of 4 or 5 all of your child’s baby teeth should be in, and the visits will start to focus on making sure their teeth are healthy and clean. Also, it is very important that each child learns the proper techniques for oral care such as brushing and flossing.

Starting around 6 years old to the age of 12, your child’s baby teeth should begin falling out and their permanent teeth will begin to grow in. During this visit it will be important to see that the permanent teeth are growing in properly and that there are no complications. Once all the teeth are fully grown in regular visits will be general check ups to make sure no cavities are forming and that your child’s teeth are nice and healthy!

Why Dr. Payam?

Dr. Payam Amirsayafi believes that every kid should enjoy their dental visits! He wants every child to imagine each visit to the dentist as an adventure. He makes sure that not only your child, but also you are happy with every single visit.  Make sure to schedule an appointment with us today!