Why do children need dental x-rays? If you, like many parents, are curious about why your child may need dental radiography, aka dental X-rays, you’re in luck! We’re taking a deep dive into the topic with Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry because every parent has the right to be informed. There’s a lot to learn, so read on for some great information!
One of the reasons why I chose Dr. Cherry to be my kids’ dentist is that she understands completely that kids need some extra reassurance (and fun) at the dentist to make those visits stress-free. She is also quick to explain or talk with parents about any questions or concerns they might have about their kids’ care, including why she recommends dental X-rays and some great tips on how to make sure your kids stay stress-free during the X-ray experience!
Thank you to Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry for sponsoring this article.
Why? When? Dental X-Rays for Kids
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has set guidelines for taking dental x-rays. Dr. Lisa M. Cherry is a proud member of this organization and follows these guidelines closely for the safety of both her staff and patients.
When does a child need dental x-rays? You might be surprised to know that the indication for dental x-rays doesn’t necessarily correspond to certain age ranges. Actually, the individual development of your child is what dentists closely monitor to determine the need for dental X-rays at certain developmental milestones. As parents already know, teeth often have an agenda of their own when it comes to their sequence of eruption!
Types of Dental X-rays Plus When Kids Need Them
Full Mouth X-rays
WHEN: A “full mouth series” or FMX is recommended when your child’s molars (posterior teeth) begin to make contact with each other in their bite. Dr. Cherry determines this milestone during routine dental exams or cleaning appointments.
WHY: FMX x-rays reveal a clear picture of not only the structure and overall health of each tooth, but also the crevices between adjacent teeth—where many cavities first start to form. This x-ray series will be taken initially once your child reaches this developmental milestone. If there is something to indicate that a closer watch may be needed, such as a history of high dental caries, additional X-rays may be needed at the child’s next cleaning appointment.
Bitewing X-rays
WHEN: As your child’s teeth continue to develop, bitewings will be taken at subsequent visits at least once per year after the initial FMX series has been taken.
WHY: Bitewing X-rays are another type of commonly taken X-ray that show the upper and lower teeth as they bite together in the same image. These X-rays focus on the crown structure of the teeth and again show the smaller hard-to-see spaces in between each tooth.
Periapical X-rays
WHEN: X-rays may also be recommended if there are signs of infection or an abscess of a particular tooth area. Or if your child experiences trauma to a certain tooth area from an accident or a fall where there has been direct contact with their mouth.
WHY: In these instances, a Periapical X-ray (PA) might be taken, which focuses on a particular tooth area and shows the entire root to crown surface of the tooth. These are commonly used to evaluate specific areas on a closer level.
Panoramic X-rays
WHEN: When your child’s 6 yr molars come in, it is generally time to take a panoramic x-ray, which is a 2D x-ray that shows their entire mouth in a single image. This x-ray may also be referred to as a panorex.
WHY: A panoramic X-ray assists dentists in forecasting the overall growth and development of your child’s mouth and determining whether things appear to be on track or if there seem to be early indicators that an oral surgery or orthodontic consult may be beneficial. Some examples of this include indicators related to crowding or the presence of impacted teeth and the manner in which the teeth may be trying to erupt. This type of x-ray may also be recommended at an earlier time if there is a history of congenitally missing teeth in the family or if there is a dental abnormality noticed during a routine exam.
Dr. Cherry Makes X-Rays Easy
As parents, we know that taking X-rays can occasionally seem a bit daunting to young children who have never experienced them before. Thankfully, Dr. Lisa M. Cherry (who is also a parent) and her team have developed a fine-tuned approach to making sure their little patients remain as comfortable as possible while having dental images exposed.
Tip #1: X-ray-Only Appointments
One tool that Dr. Cherry has found to be particularly effective is to disassociate X-rays from cleaning appointments by booking a separate appointment just for X-rays. This way your child is not overwhelmed by too many new experiences at one time and both visits are a timely, positive experience for your child.
Tip #2: Practice at Home
Sometimes having children practice at home with mom or dad may help to prepare them for taking x-rays in the office as well. You can practice by using a toothbrush to simulate the X-ray sensor that would be positioned next to their teeth and a plastic cup to simulate the cone of the X-ray machine that may rest near the outside of their cheek during exposure. This can help your child acclimate to having such objects in their mouth and breathing through their nose while images are taken. It can often feel rather silly!
Tip #3: Create Fun Distractions
The team at Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry makes certain to keep the experience family-centered by making sure everyone feels included when taking X-rays. All of their X-ray rooms are equipped with specialized doors that are specifically designed to shield all individuals outside the X-ray room from radiation exposure. But the fun part is that they all have a clear glass window where your child can see and talk to you or their sibling while having their images exposed.
Dr. Cherry also gets children involved in looking at their X-rays on the computer as the appointment goes along, making sure to engage in conversation with them about their interests and/or incorporate fun games when appropriate. This helps your kid to feel more focused on the subject matter they are interested in rather than letting them focus only on the unusual sensations provided by the process of taking X-rays.
Understanding Your Concerns
One thing we appreciate is that Dr. Lisa M. Cherry considers the partnership with parents to be of the utmost importance. As a parent herself, she knows there are many factors and variables that go into every decision a parent must make for their child. She respects that each parent maintains their own unique approach to the care of their children.
What if a Parent Doesn’t Want X-Rays
There may be times when Dr. Cherry recommends a dental x-ray, but a parent does not want one for their child. In these situations, she makes sure to educate the parent on why she recommends a dental x-ray for their child and what they might learn from it. Her job is to make sure the parents of her patients feel properly informed to make the best educated decision for their child and ultimately, Dr. Cherry respects whatever decision the parents make.
What About Radiation?
Radiation exposure is also a topic of interest when parents are learning about dental X-rays. Many of the X-rays taken in a pediatric dental office expose your child to no more radiation than they would receive from eating a banana! We didn’t even know there was radiation in bananas! Cherry Orchard says that this surprises many of their patients’ parents because bananas are such a common snack.
Contact Cherry Orchard Today
Whatever the dental needs of your child, you can be sure that the team at Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry will keep you informed. Dr. Lisa M. Cherry and her team bring a fun, light-hearted approach to taking dental x-rays and to the overall dental experience which will keep your child at ease and reinforce positive dental experiences for years to come.
Contact their office at 864.603.2603 for more information regarding your child’s specific dental needs.
Cherry Orchard Pediatric Dentistry is the 2025 KABOOM Awards First-Place Winner for the Best Pediatric Dentists in Greenville.
