Dental Emergency
Your child’s dental health is important to us. We offer same-day appointments for patients in pain
Radiographs, (“X-rays”) are used by dental health professionals to evaluate hard tissue (teeth and bones) for signs of disease or abnormalities. The type of radiograph prescribed is determined by the type of information the kids dentist is looking for. Our dental clinic employs the very latest dental x-rays technology which is rated for children. In addition and to assure safety we follow the most rigorous protocols and compliance.
Why Dental Radiographs are Necessary?
Dental radiographs or dental x-rays are an enormously useful diagnostic tool that enables children dentists to visualize structures in the mouth which are concealed from view. They can show the contact areas in between teeth, as well as tooth roots and the surrounding bone. Radiographs can also illustrate the situation with erupting teeth, enabling our kids dentists to see if they will come out through the gums as expected, which is particularly important for wisdom teeth.
Dental x-rays are truly exceptional for helping pediatric dentists to conduct accurate diagnosis and prescribe an efficient treatment plan before any problems worsen or become more serious. In fact the risks associated with dental x-rays are remarkably low compared to the benefits presented by having them done.
Declining a dental x-ray could mean tooth decay or other dental problems and signs of infection will go unnoticed for a longer period of time. If the above issues aren’t diagnosed in a timely fashion, the ability to plan for and successfully treat these conditions may be compromised. It also increases the chances of pain and discomfort and may mean a tooth will have to be extracted rather than restored. Although it is possible for certain diseases to be diagnosed without the use of dental radiographs, these do serve as a permanent record of both the problem and the treatment prescribed.
What is the Procedure for a Radiograph?
First our dental assistant will make sure your child is protected with a lead apron that shields the body’s sensitive parts against emitted x-rays. Next, an x-ray film or a digital chip is inserted into a stabilizing device and is placed in the mouth behind the patient tooth or teeth ready to be x-rayed. Temporary discomfort that is typically minor could be the case when your child will be asked to bite down lightly on the device to keep it in position. The x-ray machine is aligned with the digital chip or film and an image is quickly exposed.
It only takes a fraction of a second to take a dental x-ray. One of the advantages of having dental x-rays done is that they can be examined immediately and our pediatric dentist can quickly view them for any signs of abnormalities. These radiographs will then become part of your child’s dental records and if necessary could be forwarded along with attached diagnosis to benefits provider.