Digital Radiology

Digital Radiology – X-Rays – 99% Less Radiation

At Sheer SMiles Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that an integral part of pre-assessment for all dental procedure is having a digital x-ray taken. This allows the dentist to reliably diagnose cavities. By providing digital x-rays, we offer our patients all the benefits of a dental x-ray, but without the massive amount of radiation that is usually associated with it.

What Are The Benefits Of Digital X-Rays?

The pediatric dentists working in our clinics in Frisco, Texas pride themselves in using the latest technology to diagnose cavities. In the past, with the use of film x-rays tooth decay and periodontal bone loss was harder to detect. In comparison, today’s digital x-rays are so sensitive that they can reveal these conditions, allowing the dentist to assess and diagnose them. Because the x-rays are digital, they can be viewed much clearer in larger formats and can be accessed easily, decreasing the waiting time. The best part of digital x-rays is not only that they give the dentist a great amount of insight into a patient’s oral structure, in high-resolution, but that they do not expose children to high levels of radiation in the process. With digital x-rays, there is a staggering 99% decrease in radiation reading compared to their original counterparts.

How Are X-Rays Taken On Little Children?

Younger children are placed in their parent’s lap, while older children can sit by themselves on the chair in the x-ray unit. Although the digital x-rays have a lot less scatter radiation, everyone in the x-ray room is protected through the use of lead aprons. We also use smaller, softer x-rays to make the process easier for little ones to get their x-rays taken. All the child has to do is bite on a bite stick that has the x-ray on it and hold still for a couple of seconds. The parent or the x-ray technician can also help by holding the bite stick in place.

What If A Child Is Too Uncooperative To Have X-Rays Taken?

Sometimes the dental exam can be done using only visual observation for younger patients or special needs children. If the doctor feels that treatment is necessary, further x-rays can be taken at that time, when the child is sedated. Usually, the use of oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide (or laughing gas) can put the child at ease and make the process of taking x-rays a lot more pleasant.

Why Can’t My Child’s Dentist Simply Look At The Teeth To Find Cavities? Why Does He Need Dental X-Rays?

While visual inspection with an explorer (dental tool) can identify surface decay, taking an x-ray is the only way to detect inter-proximal cavities or cavities in between the teeth. Also, an x-ray can tell the pediatric dentist how much of the decay has spread within the tooth and if the tooth needs a root canal or a simple filling. Fortunately, at Sheer Smiles Pediatric Dentistry we make use of digital x-rays so that we can make the most accurate diagnosis possible. Call us or visit our office in beautiful Frisco, Texas to find out more about digital x-rays and cavity detection.