DENTAL RADIOGRAPHS X-RAYS

Depending on the child’s circumstances, dental radiographs may be necessary more often or less frequently.  In children who are at greater risk of childhood tooth decay (as determined by their pediatric dentist), biannual radiographs may be necessary to monitor changes in the condition of their teeth.  Similarly, children with orthodontic problems, such as malocclusion, may also require more frequent radiographs for monitoring purposes.

A dental X-ray should be taken every one to two years for children at average or below average risk for tooth decay and orthodontic problems.  While a pediatric dentist may not suspect any decay at all, it is still important to periodically monitor tooth and jaw growth – primarily to ensure there is adequate room for permanent teeth to grow.

It may be necessary for the pediatric dentist to take an X-ray of the mouth immediately if the oral region has been injured or traumatized.  As a result of advances in X-ray technology, specific areas of the mouth can be targeted for X-raying separately, thereby reducing the exposure to unnecessary X-rays.