Pediatric Dental X-Ray
Pearl City, HI
Dental X-Rays provided by Our Expert Pediatric Dentists
in Pearl City, HI at Oahu Pediatric Dentistry
 Dental x-rays are an essential part of your dental exam and dental cleaning during your dental visit. Although you have dental x-rays done each year, you may not know why x-rays are necessary. At Oahu Pediatric Dentistry we can help you understand better why dental x-rays are important.
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What is a Dental X-Ray?
X-rays work by having the rays pass through the patient's head and mouth to produce a displayed image that will highlight bone and tissue to enable them to be easily viewed. In traditional x-rays, the images are taken using disposable film that takes some time to develop.
Digital x-rays on the other hand, still use x-rays as the name implies, but these rays are bounced back using x-ray sensitive plates. The image is then immediately available to see on a computer screen.
Importance of Dental X-Rays
There are several reasons why dental x-rays are so important. First, x-rays are able to see underneath your gums to show your dentist if you are having any problems that you aren't able to see. X-rays also allow a new dentist to see all of the work you have had done in the past, such as fillings, crowns, or dental implants.
Dental x-rays help dental practitioners see how your teeth and jawbones are changing over time as well. For example, if you have lost teeth in the past, x-rays can help a dentist determine if you will need a dental implant instead of a bridge because of bone loss. If the dental practitioner can track your bone loss, there are preventative techniques dentists can do to keep your jawbone and teeth healthy.
Types of Dental X-Rays
There are different types of x-rays dentists may use in order to check your teeth. Some dentists still use the older form of dental x-rays, the bitewing x-rays. You will remember this one for sure, because bitewing x-rays have been around for over 50 years. For these x-rays, you bite down on the x-ray film. These x-rays take a little time to develop, and many dentists no longer use them.
There are also digital x-rays, and many dentists use more than one kind of digital x-ray. All digital x-rays are immediately available, and can be stored and transferred to computers or tablets. Some dentists take periapical x-rays, especially if they suspect trouble with one or more of your teeth. These digital x-rays show your entire tooth all the way from the crown of your tooth down through the gum line as well as the tooth root. If you are having trouble with the root of a tooth, periapical x-rays may be the best way to see it.
Full-mouth x-rays are very common in many dental offices as well. Dentists can take one large x-ray with a revolving camera that moves around your head to take pictures. There's no bitewing to bite down on, and these x-rays are extremely accurate. They can reduce both the number of x-rays you need and the frequency of your x-rays.
There are also occlusal x-rays that pediatric dentists use to look at children's teeth. These x-rays are great to use to see children's teeth, both the teeth that have erupted and the teeth that have yet to erupt. This is important, so dentists can see if the child may have issues moving forward.
The Dental X-Ray Process
Before we administer an x-ray scan, we will first of all interview you to ensure that you're a good candidate for digital x-rays. We will consider factors like your age (radiation exposure may cause developmental issues in children), current health condition and the history of oral health.
The entire process is swift, with no preparation required other than brushing your mouth. Our dental experts will guide you through a few steps of the process. They may ask you to take a seat, lie down, remain still for a moment, or move certain parts of your face or mouth intermittently.
Safety of Dental X-Rays
Digital x-rays produce 70% less radiation, which is something we know many people are happy about with the concern of the radiation emitted from conventional x-ray equipment. We want our patients to feel at ease and stay safe. While conventional radiography is safe when used one to two times a year, 70 percent less of it is quite a big deal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental X-Rays
How Often Should Dental X-Rays Be Taken?
We recommend that dental x-rays be taken once a year. If you have a problem with one of your teeth, or if you have dental restorations such as crowns, fillings, or dental implants, you may need x-rays taken a little more often.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe During Pregnancy?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Dental Association (ADA) both consider dental x-rays to be safe during pregnancy when appropriate precautions are taken. The minimal radiation exposure from dental x-rays is unlikely to harm the developing fetus, especially when protective measures are in place. However, as a precautionary measure, elective or non-urgent x-rays are typically postponed until after pregnancy to minimize any potential risk.
Do Dental X-Rays Hurt?
Dental X-rays themselves do not hurt. During a dental X-ray procedure, you won't experience any pain. The process involves a dental professional positioning the X-ray machine or sensor in your mouth to capture images of your teeth and oral structures.
You may feel slight discomfort or pressure from the positioning of the X-ray equipment and sensors, especially if you have to bite down on a piece of plastic to hold the sensor in place. However, this discomfort is typically minimal and temporary.
Overall, the dental x-ray procedure is quick and relatively painless. If you have concerns about discomfort during a dental x-ray, you can discuss them with our dentist, who can provide guidance and ensure your comfort during the procedure.
Can Dental X-Rays Detect Cavities?
X-rays help us identify the symptoms of an exhaustive range of dental ailments from cavities to impacted teeth, gum infections, and tooth decay.
About Dental X-Rays at Oahu Pediatric Dentistry
Are you worried about having dental x-rays? Has it been a while since you have had x-rays? Then it is time to come see us at Oahu Pediatric Dentistry to get your dental x-ray. Give us a call today at and one of our friendly staff members can help schedule your next appointment.
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