Are x-rays of baby teeth really necessary? By Dr. Stephanie DeFilippo

There are unseen cavities that the dentist cannot find between your child’s teeth without taking x-rays. They are crucial for early detection and the filling of any cavities that may be present. Once a cavity is present it will not go away on its own. These cavities between your child’s teeth start small and will continue to become larger until it makes a visible hole in the tooth. Once this happens, then a simple filling won’t be enough to fix the decay. Now, the tooth may need either a stainless steel crown with nerve treatment or the tooth may need taken out. Prevention is crucial in dentistry and x-rays help the dental professional keep your child’s teeth healthy.

There are different types of x-rays that your child may be exposed to at the dentist. Cavity detection x-rays are also called bitewings and one is taken on both sides of your child’s mouth. These are the most common x-rays that will be taken on a regular basis. As your child grows, we want to make sure their permanent teeth are all present and coming in correctly. The x-ray that shows your chlid’s facial bones and underlying permanent teeth is called a panoramic x-ray. If your child has pain with a specific tooth, then a periapical x-ray will be taken to show the entire tooth from the crown (the part you can see) to the root underneath, along with the developing permanent teeth and surrounding bone. An occlusal x-ray will be taken of the front top or bottom teeth to check and see how much longer it will be until they come out (a panoramic x-ray will also tell you this). Also, periapical or occlusal x-rays can be taken to detect cavities in your child’s front teeth. Your child won’t require x-rays at every visit. Many times, bitewing x-rays are taken on a yearly basis. If your child is more cavity prone then we may take more frequent x-rays until their dental disease is in control.

Most parents are worried about dental x-ray radiation and this fear will prevent them from allowing the above x-rays. At our office, all necessary prevention is taken by draping your child with a lead apron and using the most up-to-date x-ray machine that will emit the least amount of radiation possible in order to obtain an image. Please, if you have any fears, ask your dentist, or dental hygienist. They will be happy to have a conversation with you and address any concerns you may have. Our purpose is always to help your child and maintain their oral health in the best way possible. In order for us to do this then x-rays will be needed.

Remember, it is very important to be helping or monitoring your child when it is time to brush and floss. Older children, who you are confident won’t swallow the liquid, may benefit from a fluoride rinse. Also, make sure your children are getting a cleaning every six months. Our purpose is prevention and early detection of any cavities.

Visit www.colgate.com for further information.

Dr. Stephanie DeFilippo is a pediatric dentist at Drs. Null, Seidel and Associates.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193