Digital Dental X-Rays
Tampa, Florida
As your child’s mouth grows and changes, visual exams can’t tell us everything we need to know. Dental x-rays provide a valuable diagnostic tool to detect hidden issues beneath your child's tooth surfaces or gum line. At Reef Kids Dental, we invest in the latest digital imaging technology to provide our young patients with the safest, most comfortable dental care!
Digital Dental X-Rays - An Overview
Digital dental x-rays utilize digital sensors to capture high-quality digital images of your child's mouth and oral structures instead of traditional dental x-ray film. We can view and enlarge these images on a computer screen, allowing us to hone in on specific areas with extreme clarity.
Digital dental x-rays help us see problems we can't see during a physical exam, like tooth decay between teeth, gum disease, infections under fillings, cysts, bone loss, or impacted or missing teeth, ensuring prompt treatment. That way, minor problems are less likely to progress toward bigger ones requiring extensive treatments down the road.
Digital dental x-rays help us evaluate teeth yet to erupt, assess the extent of injury after an accident, and determine whether your child has enough space to accommodate the incoming permanent teeth. We can also see whether the baby teeth are loosening the way they should. Digital dental x-rays provide a wealth of information that allows us to create more effective preventive and restorative treatment plans for long-term oral health.
How Often Will Your Child Need Digital Dental X-Rays?
We typically start taking digital x-rays when your child's teeth touch one another, around age 3-4. The frequency of bitewing x-rays will depend on your child's unique needs but are typically taken every 6-12 months. We follow the guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). When your child is older, around age 7, they will have new adult teeth starting to come in. At this point, we may recommend panoramic x-rays for an ear-to-ear view of your child’s oral structures to ensure everything is safely on track.
What Are the Benefits of Digital Dental X-Rays?
Digital dental x-rays offer numerous benefits, including the following:
They Are Safe: Today's digital dental technology produces over 50 percent less radiation compared to traditional x-ray equipment with its already low radiation exposure. To put things in perspective, plane rides or stepping out in the sun can expose your child to higher radiation levels per year than digital dental x-rays.
They Are Fast: Digital dental x-rays produce instant, high-quality dental images, unlike traditional x-rays that require time to develop the film before viewing the images. That makes consultations shorter and more comfortable for our young patients.
They Produce Quality Images: Digital radiography produces incredibly clear and detailed images. That allows us to see even the tiniest fractures or irregularities, which are hard to detect in traditional film x-rays. Better yet, we can zoom in on specific areas and adjust the contrast for a better view.
They Are More Eco-Friendly: Digital x-rays don't require chemical processing, making them a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional x-rays.
The Images Are Easier to Store: Digital images can be stored on small drives, saving space. They are easy to instantly access and send to specialists when needed.
Digital Dental X-Rays Near Me in Tampa, FL
If you're searching for a pediatric dental practice offering cutting-edge digital technology and a commitment to providing the highest quality dental care, visit Reef Kids Dental today! Our experienced pediatric dentist and kid-friendly team are committed to ensuring our young patients enjoy healthy smiles that last.
Are you ready to get started? Call our office at (813) 845-8722 to schedule your appointment or request one online today. We look forward to caring for your child's smile!