Dental care begins from the earliest age. Parents are responsible for developing proper dental hygiene and brushing habits in children. Regular dental checkups are essential and extremely important to maintain tooth health. In addition to clinical examinations, dentists use various available imaging technologies to better diagnose and assess tooth condition, which we will discuss here.
When a dentist refers a child for X-ray imaging, parents understandably become concerned – is dental X-ray imaging safe for children?
Importance of Dental X-Ray Imaging
To answer this question, we must first explain why X-rays are taken and why they are important. A dentist assesses when X-ray imaging is necessary. X-ray images help dentists make the correct diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment based on it. Additionally, X-rays allow for proper treatment approach and thorough preparation for necessary interventions.
Is Dental X-Ray Imaging Safe
Now that we understand how important timely diagnosis is, we want to help you understand that you have no reason to worry when you bring your child for dental X-ray imaging. The radiation dose to which a child is exposed during imaging is minimal and the smallest compared to other areas of medicine. Additionally, the advancement of modern technology has resulted in humans being exposed daily to various types of radiation in much higher doses than those emitted during dental X-ray imaging.
To explain radiation exposure more clearly, there is always the familiar story about flying in an airplane. On international flights, we are exposed to a certain level of cosmic radiation. Cosmic radiation is a natural source of radiation, and, for example, on a flight from London to New York, we would be exposed to a dose equivalent to a chest X-ray. In addition to cosmic radiation, we are also exposed daily to natural radiation from the Earth. In other words, it is all around us.
Advances in science and technology and the emergence of digital devices in medicine have contributed to further reducing radiation doses during imaging while maximizing safety.
It is very important to note that before imaging, in order to protect internal organs, a collar or apron (depending on which imaging is performed) is placed, which has a lead layer that reduces radiation dose by 10%.
So, to conclude, dental X-ray imaging will not cause any changes in our body and there is truly no reason to worry. Dental X-ray imaging is a globally recognized diagnostic method that has been performed for decades and has no negative effects.
Imaging Technologies
2D and 3D dental imaging are two of the most important tools dentists use for diagnosing and treating patients. They allow us to see inside the mouth in ways that were not previously possible and help us identify problems early so we can provide more effective treatment.
2D and 3D dental imaging are both methods used to image teeth. 2D images are produced with a traditional X-ray machine, while 3D images are captured with a special scanner that provides a three-dimensional view of the teeth. 3D imaging is newer and more expensive than 2D, but provides a more detailed view of the teeth and can be helpful in diagnosing dental problems.
3D imaging is especially useful for complex procedures such as implants or orthodontics, as it allows us to see the mouth from all angles and plan our approach accordingly. However, 2D images are still necessary because they provide a more detailed view of individual teeth and structures.
2D
2D images include small retroalveolar, targeted tooth images, and large panoramic imaging that is a two-dimensional view of the entire upper and lower jaw with temporomandibular joints and all teeth in the mouth. Panoramic imaging is a survey image because it allows for a complete assessment of the oral condition: tooth condition, bone condition, presence of pathological changes in the bone, and so on. In the case of children, the panoramic image can show the condition of primary teeth as well as the position of teeth that have not yet erupted. It is also possible to see the roots of third molars, the direction in which they are positioned, and their health.
When discussing radiation doses for 2D images, they range from 1-8 microsieverts*, and for panoramic imaging 4-30 microsieverts*.
3D
3D imaging or CBCT is a detailed, three-dimensional view of the teeth that allows the entire jaw structure to be seen from multiple angles. In this way, the angles at which teeth grow can be visualized, and unlike digital panoramic imaging, it offers the possibility of a more complete assessment of the oral condition. It is used when oral surgical interventions and complex, demanding dental treatments are planned.
When discussing radiation doses for 3D (CBCT) imaging, they range from 50-100 microsieverts*.
*Sievert is a unit in the International System of Units intended to represent the health risk of ionizing radiation, defined as the probability of causing cancer and genetic damage caused by radiation.
At DentalVortex office, we use the latest Kavo Focus digital machine for intraoral imaging. Intraoral X-ray imaging is used to obtain images from inside the mouth. This type of imaging is used to diagnose problems with teeth and the jaw. Images obtained by intraoral X-rays are very detailed and can show problems that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Intraoral X-ray images are an incredibly important part of dental care. They can help dentists find problems early, before they become serious.
What You Should Know
Now that we have explained how modern imaging devices work and that they are not harmful to health, we should emphasize once more that many changes that occur would remain without proper diagnosis, and the treatment that would be applied would not be appropriate and successful without timely examination and use of all available modern devices used in dentistry. It is very important to explain to children before dental X-ray imaging that imaging is quick and not painful at all. Although it may seem intimidating to be alone in a room with large machines, they are actually our friends that help dentists identify problems in time and help us preserve our teeth and health.
And as technology changes, outdated dental imaging techniques are used less and less in our practice. So rest assured that in our office we use tools that will not harm children or adults. Because our goal is to make your visit as painless and as comfortable as possible.