Taking a visit to your child’s pediatric dentist due to a sore tooth usually means that you are aware of a possible cavity or other problem that is going on with your child’s tooth. Sometimes tooth issues are easily seen with the naked eye and easy to detect exactly what is wrong. When visiting the dentist for a regular checkup, you may not be aware there are any serious problems going on with your child’s teeth, but the dentist has the ability to see the beginning of a potential problem by utilizing dental x-rays. Dental x-rays allow your dentist to detect any dental problems before they turn into serious concerns.
Detecting Traces of Oral Health Problems
A crack in a tooth or puffy gums can easily be detected without an x-ray. However, dental x-rays can detect any trace of oral health problems at their earliest stage. Cavities, gum disease, oral infections and some types of early tumors can all be successfully detected through the use of dental x-rays. Dental x-rays provide the dentist with early detection of potential oral problems and now your dentist can give your child the proper treatment they need before those problems have a chance to develop into something more major.
Minuscule Radiation from Dental X-Rays
A common concern that patients often have when discussing dental x-rays with their dentist is the amount of radiation they are exposed to during the process of the x-rays. There is no need for concern when considering dental x-rays. Modern technology has reduced radiation levels to minuscule amounts. In addition to the extremely low amount of radiation, dentists take extra precautions like safety aprons and collars to protect the patient from any possible radiation. Most dentists today use digital x-rays, which are much faster and expose the patient to a much smaller and shorter amount of radiation.
Early Detection of Oral Health Issues
Dental x-rays are a great benefit to the dentist and to the patient. Early detection of any oral problem gives the dentist a head start on any problems and protects the patient from experiencing a more serious oral health problem in the future. Dental x-rays allow the dentist to see if there is any decay on the inside of the tooth, even though the outside may look like everything is perfect. Early cavity detection can be the difference between a simple filling and a major root canal. If you have not yet had your child’s teeth x-rayed by your dentist, it is a good idea to get it done. Give your dentist every advantage in assisting you with excellent oral care. Contact Smile Reef today!