Pediatric Dental X-Rays - ABC Children's Dentistry

Dental radiographs (x-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

Dental x-rays may reveal:

Abscesses or cysts.
Bone loss.
Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
Decay between the teeth.
Developmental abnormalities.
Poor tooth and root positions.
Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.

Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

Are dental x-rays safe?

We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of x-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.

Dental x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe. Dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental x-rays. These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each x-ray.

How often should dental x-rays be taken?

The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.

A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dental X-Rays

Why does my child need dental X-rays?

Dental X-rays provide Dr. Singer with crucial information that isn’t visible during a regular visual examination. These images allow him to see between teeth, below the gumline, and inside the tooth structure to detect issues like cavities between teeth, abnormal tooth development, impacted teeth, or infections developing in the roots. For children specifically, X-rays help monitor dental development as they transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth. They can reveal if permanent teeth are developing properly, if there’s enough space for them, and if there are any potential alignment issues. Early detection through X-rays allows for simpler, less invasive treatment and can prevent more serious dental problems in the future. At ABC Children’s Dentistry, we only take X-rays when necessary based on your child’s individual dental needs and development.

Are dental X-rays safe for children?

We understand parents’ concerns about radiation exposure, which is why safety is our top priority at ABC Children’s Dentistry. Today’s modern dental X-ray technology uses extremely low radiation doses – in fact, the amount of radiation from a full mouth series of dental X-rays is comparable to what a person receives in a single day from natural environmental sources. We take extra precautions to minimize exposure, including using lead apron shields with thyroid collars to protect your child’s body, employing the fastest film speeds or digital X-rays that reduce exposure time, and limiting X-rays to only when necessary based on your child’s specific needs. Dr. Singer follows the ALARA principle – “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” – when it comes to radiation exposure. Rest assured that the small, controlled amount of radiation used in dental X-rays poses far less risk than undetected dental problems.

How often should my child have dental X-rays?

The frequency of dental X-rays depends on your child’s individual oral health needs, dental development stage, and risk factors for dental problems. For most children with average risk factors, bitewing X-rays (which show the crown portions of teeth) are typically recommended once a year to check for cavities between teeth. A complete set of X-rays might be taken for new patients to establish a baseline for future comparison, and these are usually good for 3-5 years unless specific dental issues arise. Children at higher risk for dental problems – such as those with a history of frequent cavities, orthodontic issues, or certain medical conditions – may need X-rays more frequently. During each check-up, Dr. Singer evaluates whether X-rays are necessary based on your child’s specific situation, avoiding unnecessary exposure while ensuring comprehensive care.

How do you help children who are anxious about X-rays?

At ABC Children’s Dentistry, we understand that dental X-rays might seem intimidating to children, especially during their first experience. Dr. Singer and our team use child-friendly language and a playful approach to help ease anxiety. We might describe the X-ray machine as a “special camera” that takes “pictures” of their teeth, and the protective apron as a “superhero cape” or “space suit.” We show each step of the process before doing it, giving children time to become comfortable with the equipment. Our team is patient and provides plenty of praise and positive reinforcement throughout the procedure. Dr. Singer’s Disney-inspired office environment also helps create a more relaxed atmosphere for children. For particularly anxious children, we can sometimes use techniques like “tell-show-do,” where we explain the procedure, demonstrate it on a stuffed animal, and then proceed when the child feels ready.

Does dental insurance cover X-rays for children?

Most dental insurance plans recognize the preventive value of dental X-rays and typically cover them as part of routine preventive care. Coverage usually includes bitewing X-rays once per year and a full mouth series every 3-5 years. At ABC Children’s Dentistry, we accept numerous PPO dental insurance plans including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, and many others. Our front desk team is knowledgeable about insurance benefits and can verify your specific coverage before X-rays are taken. They can also provide a clear estimate of any potential out-of-pocket costs. If you have concerns about coverage or costs, please don’t hesitate to discuss them with our office staff – we’re committed to making necessary dental care accessible and affordable for all children. If your insurance doesn’t fully cover needed X-rays, we can discuss payment options to ensure your child receives appropriate care.