Here at Playhouse Dental we are committed to most conservative practices and pride ourselves on using only use the latest and safest technology. Regarding X-rays, we practice ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) which is a safety principle fundamental to minimizing radiation exposure. We are committed to using the most accurate digital imaging equipment requiring the lowest ionizing radiation exposure, and offer digital radiography. Digital x-rays offer all the benefits of a traditional x-ray, with over 90% less radiation that is usually associated with it. X-rays are a primary diagnostic tool used in conjunction with the oral examination for identifying dental problems in children while they are at the early stages. Early detection can help prevent the need for more serious and costly procedures. X-rays are primarily used to detect:
Cavities (tooth decay)
Cysts or tumors
Infections
Impacted teeth
Unerupted developing teeth
The presence of extra or missing teeth
DIGITAL X-RAYS-LESS RADIATION
What are the benefits of digital x-rays?
Digital radiography has greatly enhanced the practice of dentistry. The images captured are available in high-resolution instantly on a large-format, allowing us to evaluate and diagnose them instantly. This makes the visit more efficient and allows us to spend more time focusing on your child. If an image needs to be retaken, it can be done immediately. Not only is the quality of the picture more sensitive than traditional x-rays, but they require over 90% less radiation, thereby minimizing exposure to patients. The digital format also allows us to send and receive your images electronically, allowing for a faster consultation with other doctors, if necessary.
What does process of getting x-rays involve?
Your child will sit in the dental chair near the x-ray unit. In some cases younger children may need a parent to help with the process (either by holding the film or having the child sitting in their parent’s lap). While digital x-rays have a fraction of the scatter radiation, everyone in the room will be protected by wearing a lead apron. Although the digital x-rays have a lot less scatter radiation, everyone in the x-ray room will be protected through the use of lead aprons. Your child’s comfort is our priority at Playhouse Dental. We use smaller, softer x-rays to make the process as easy as possible. A member of our team will show the patient how to bite down or hold the x-ray and holder in order to capture the most accurate images. This process will be repeated until all necessary images are obtained. The x-rays will be processed and are available immediately, facilitating a diagnosis and discussion about treatment options immediately after the examination.
Why do you need dental x-rays? Can’t the dentist just look at my child’s teeth to find cavities?
While visual inspection can identify surface decay, taking x-rays is sometimes the only way to detect cavities on surfaces that are not able to be visualized, such as in between the teeth or below the surface of the gums. X-rays also allow for more information once we do detect issues; an x-ray can tell the pediatric dentist how much the cavity has spread within the tooth and helps determine the appropriate treatment necessary to eliminate the problem.
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