Local Dental Care - Toddler Dentist

Dental X-Rays For Your Child

Parents often question the need for dental X-rays (radiographs or films). Just as a broken bone or lung disease require a radiograph for a diagnosis, dental decay or other pathology (disease) of the oral cavity may require a radiograph for diagnosis. Tooth decay in children spreads rapidly in primary (baby) teeth.

Bitewing Radiograph(s)

These films, usually two, identify the presence of decay between the back (posterior) teeth. Decay between the teeth is called interproximal decay. By four and one-half years of age, the baby (primary) molars usually touch or contact each other. Interproximal decay can spread to the adjacent tooth if the teeth are in contact. If there are spaces between the primary molars, and there is no other evidence of decay, these films may not be necessary until later. A lack of spacing between the primary teeth predisposes a child to a much higher incidence of interproximal decay. Early detection permits your dentist to restore (repair) the tooth in less time and preserve tooth structure.

Periapical x-Ray

This film is used to examine the area around the tip of the root(s) or in between the roots. Primary teeth have long roots before they are resorbed (dissolved) by the pressure of the erupting permanent tooth. A root fracture after trauma, deep decay, infection, the need for root canal treatment, the presence of extra teeth, or absence of developing teeth are some of the findings with this film.

Occlusal Radiograph

This film evaluates the presence or absence of the upper and lower front teeth (incisors). It may also be used to diagnose fractures of teeth or bone and extra or missing teeth.

Panoramic x-Ray

Some pediatric dentists request this film around seven or eight years of age, when all eight permanent incisors have erupted. Although this not as accurate in diagnosing decay, it may provide an alternative if a child has a gag reflex that has prohibited taking a periapical or bitewing radiograph. The film is outside the mouth in a machine that revolves around the head. A view of the entire upper and lower jaw is obtained. This is commonly obtained by orthodontists prior to treatment. The panoramic radiograph may reveal or evaluate:

• Missing teeth
• Extra teeth
• Tumors, cysts, or other disease
• Improper position of teeth
• Broken bones after trauma
• Development of the permanent teeth
• Future crowding
• Wisdom teeth

Cephalometric Radiograph

This film ordinarily is obtained by an orthodontist in order to make a diagnosis of a child's bite (occlusion) and to determine the best treatment plan. It measures the relationship of the bones of the head and jaws.

Now, you are "in the know" for your child's next dental X-rays!

by Jane A. Soxman, DDS

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Infant Pediatric Dental Care

One question many pediatric dentists are asked most frequently is, "At what age should I bring my child in for his/her first dental checkup?" Most dentists will say between two and four years of age, because that's what they're taught in dental school. The reason dentists are taught this answer is because children have finished teething by that time and are usually more cooperative.

The only problem with this reasoning is that by age two, according to American Dental Association statistics, 30% of all children in America have a cavity or cavities! As a result, a child's first experience at the family dentist's office is often a numb lip, a rubber dam, and a filling — not the most pleasant first experience!

So, at what age should your child receive his first pediatric dental examination? At birth!

That's right — but in many pediatric and family dentistry offices they aren't just "tooth doctors." They believe in cavity prevention. And prevention starts at birth.

Some pediatric dentists would like you to bring in your baby so that they can tell you about fluorides, pacifiers, finger habits, nutrition, and oral hygiene.

There may be no charge for this appointment or for the subsequent visits they call "play" appointments. These appointments are scheduled at 1 year, 1-1/2 years, and at 2 years of age. By that time, many children may be receiving cleanings, fluoride treatments, and protective sealants.

If the child isn't ready for these treatments, they can continue "play" appointments until he is ready.

Pediatric dental care professionals never want to enforce or insist that a child have dental work unless he is ready. They want pediatric and family dentistry to be a fun and enjoyable experience for children so that they will look forward to their visits twice a year.

As a result of this approach to prevention, 95% of those children who make regular continuing care visits are cavity-free, as are 85% of adult patients who follow a similar regime. Yes, prevention starts at birth, and your family dentist's goal remains a commitment to preventive care.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.