Your child’s safety is your number one priority. We here at Canyon Creek Dentistry understand that. You watch what your child eats, what toys they play with, what friends they hang out with, etc. Your main concern is what can be harmful to your child. This also includes healthcare practices.
One main concern we hear is if dental x-rays are safe for my child. First, dental x-rays are essential for detecting tooth decay, they help us see any underlying issues with your child’s teeth, jaw, and gum tissue, and they allow us to get an accurate diagnosis to help plan the best course of action. But is it safe for children? The reason to ask is because x-rays are an invisible form of electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate human tissue. As with other forms of radiation, elevated or frequent exposure to x-rays could damage tissue and increase the future risk of cancer.
Americans receive an average radiation dose of about 0.62 rem (620 mrem) annually, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission reports. Meanwhile, the ADA notes that dental radiographs account for roughly 2.5% of the effective radiation dose received from all medical radiography and fluoroscopy (medical X-ray imaging procedures). While there is potential for harm, Dr. Prajapati takes great care to never expose our patients, especially children, to a harmful level or frequency of radiation. Here at Canyon Creek Dentistry, we incorporate a number of safeguards based on a principle followed by all healthcare professionals in regard to x-rays called ALARA, an acronym that stands for “as low as reasonably achievable.” This means we use as low an exposure of x-ray energy as is needed. And, we only use x-rays when absolutely necessary.
Why does my child need dental x-rays? If your child suffered a mouth injury, we use x-rays to monitor the injury to ensure proper healing and recovery. X-rays also help us identify any oral infections. Cavities, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and other oral infections can be detrimental to your child’s smile. Getting x-rays allows Dr. Prajapati to catch these infections early. And, x-rays help us determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary.
At Canyon Creek Dentistry, we strive to provide safe, effective dental care for both children and adults. As part of our commitment to our patients and their health and well-being, we use state-of-the-art x-ray technologies to help protect kids and adults from radiation exposure. Are dental x-rays safe? They certainly are at Canyon Creek Dentistry! At our office, we think every dental visit should be as extraordinary as your child, and this includes sensible, as-needed dental x-rays. Schedule your pediatric dental appointment today.