Understanding Dental X-Rays at Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon

At Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon, we prioritize your child’s safety while providing comprehensive dental care. One of the essential tools in modern dentistry is the dental X-ray, or radiograph. These imaging techniques offer valuable insights into your child’s dental health that go beyond what can be seen with the naked eye.

The Importance of Dental X-Rays for Children

Dental X-rays play a crucial role in identifying and preventing potential dental issues before they become significant problems.

At Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Eileen Saunders uses X-rays to:

• Detect Hidden Issues: X-rays can reveal problems such as tooth decay, jaw abnormalities, and issues with incoming teeth that might require attention in the future.
• Monitor Development: They help in tracking the development of wisdom teeth, identifying tooth crowding, detecting genetically missing teeth, and assessing bite problems (malocclusion).

Safety and Risks of Dental X-Rays

While there are concerns about radiation exposure, dental X-rays are considered one of the safest imaging techniques. The American Dental Association (ADA) notes that the exposure from dental X-rays is minimal compared to other sources of radiation. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is essential to use the lowest possible exposure while balancing healthcare needs.

X-ray Radiation Comparison:

• Modern X-ray Exposure: Today’s X-ray technology minimizes exposure time to mere seconds and targets the specific treatment area, significantly reducing overall radiation.
• Historical Context: In the 1890s, X-ray technology required 25 minutes for a single exposure with high radiation doses. Today’s advancements have dramatically decreased exposure levels.
• Radiation Levels: For perspective, it would take over 1000 panoramic X-rays to equal the radiation of one CT scan. A panoramic X-ray is only half the radiation of a seven-hour plane ride or two to three days of natural background exposure.

Advances in X-Ray Technology

Recent developments in X-ray technology have further reduced radiation risks:

• Digital X-rays: These provide faster imaging and lower radiation exposure compared to traditional film X-rays.
• Cone Beam 3D Imaging: This technique captures multiple images to create a detailed 3D model of your child’s teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures with minimal radiation.

Our Commitment to Safety

At Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon, we take your child’s safety very seriously.

Dr. Eileen Saunders and our skilled team ensure that:

• Regulated Exposure: We adhere to state regulations on radiation exposure and never exceed safety limits.
• Proper Use of Equipment: Our team is trained to use all X-ray equipment correctly, and patients receive protective lead shields or bibs as an additional safety measure.

Communicating with Us

If your child is a new patient, please provide their medical records to help us understand their previous imaging history. Don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns with Dr. Eileen Saunders. We are here to ensure that your child’s dental care is both safe and effective.

The ADA and FDA agree that the benefits of X-ray technology far outweigh the minimal risks. At Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon, we strive to create a comfortable and secure environment for our patients. If you have any questions about X-rays or any other procedures, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.