X-Rays
Pediatric dental X-ray services are available at Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry. Our modern dental X-ray machine offers the safest and most accurate digital imaging available today. We take the safety and comfort of our pediatric patients extremely seriously, which is why we’ve created a child-friendly environment to ensure the most relaxed experience for your little one.
Why Dental X-Rays are Needed for Children
Children’s teeth, jaw, and gum tissue are still in the development phase. Many problems occur below the gum line, where issues can’t be seen by a visual examination alone. Interestingly, many of the cavities and alignment issues in children happen before the teeth have fully erupted above the gum line. Dental X-rays enable your pediatric dentist in Midwest City, OK, to monitor the growth of teeth, identify early-stage cavities, and potentially catch alignment problems before they have a chance to become more serious.
Types of Dental X-Rays For Children
At Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry, we have several different types of dental X-rays for children in Midwest City, OK, including:
- Bitewing – Mainly used for detecting cavities between teeth
- Panoramic – Used to get a comprehensive view of the teeth, jaw, and sinuses
- Periapical – Shows the whole tooth, top to the root tip
Before any dental X-rays are done, you’ll be fully informed as to which type of X-ray we’re taking and the reasons why.
Safety Measures
Our goal with children’s X-rays is to minimize radiation exposure. We use exposure settings that are as low as reasonably possible toward that end and use lead aprons to protect areas that don’t need to be X-rayed. Finally, our X-ray machines are inspected on a regular basis to ensure that they’re operating as they should.
Preparing Your Child for Dental X-Rays
For children, getting a dental X-ray for the first time can feel unfamiliar and scary. Our dental staff is trained and experienced in gently managing anxious children. Typically, no special preparation is needed, but explaining to our children what is happening is always helpful so they can know what to expect. We usually explain it as a special picture that can see bones and that both calms and intrigues most children.
When you need dental X-rays for your child, contact your dentist in Midwest City, OK. We’re here for all your child’s dental needs.
