Dentist Wants X Rays

My son had xrays done when we first took him at 4. If you go to a childrens' dentist that uses digital xrays, it is less radiation than the old school bitewings.

I don't even get them for myself, and I'm 40! I would certainly not do them for a child unless there was some very specific concern.

HI A.
yes this is normal I have 4 Children and they have been going to the dentist since the age of 2 all there trying to do is help you maintain there teeth please go ahead
Danielle Mother of 4

Teeny, TINY newborn infants are given xrays shortly after birth if they are needed - this is normal for a dentist to request, especially if your child has cavities or tooth decay. The dentist needs to be sure of the extent of the damage - dental xrays are important, and the dentist would not suggest them if he didn't think it was necessary. They are expensive and time consuming for them too! There is no reason a doctor would ever recommend xrays for no reason.
It will not hurt your child, and is important to his oral health.

Hi A.,

I'm a pediatric dentist and a mom to a 10 month old son, so i understand your dilemma, from both sides of the debate. I know that many people are concerned about the amount of radiation that our children are exposed to. As a parent, I worry too. However, the number and types of x-rays that a dentist would ideally need for a 3 year old is very little.

A complete set of x-rays (FMX) on an adult involves taking 18 x-rays to check for cavities and other problems. On a child a complete set (full mouth) is 8 x-rays. For my patients, I rarely ever suggest taking this many. If the teeth in the front or the back are touching, and the dentist can't see the area between the teeth, this is when x-rays are needed. For most children, this means only 2 or 3 x-ray films total per year. If no teeth are touching, this means no x-rays.

The reason why we need the pictures is: If there was a cavity starting between the teeth and no x-rays were taken - the cavity would probably get bigger and bigger over time. Eventually, yes, we would be able to see the cavity visually. However, by this time, that cavity may be so big that your child may need a root canal treatment and crown placed. I don't mean to scare you, but treating a little cavity with a simple white filling is much better than a root canal and crown.

i have a website (www.pediatricdentistsf.com) that you can check out if you have any other questions.

I hope that this helps - you had an excellent question - good luck to you!

There definitely is no problem with kids having x-rays of their teeth. I think you'll find every dentist does things differently (as evidenced by the wide range you see in your responses), but as far as radiation exposure, you don't need to worry at all. A previous mom (forgot her name, sorry) was right in saying we get more radiation exposure doing other normal, everyday things than we get with actual x-rays. And if there is a problem such as an unseen cavity, you would definitely want it spotted and taken care of to avoid worse problems with the teeth and more pain for your child. And this is kind of morbid so forgive me, but having a set of dental x-rays on your child is a good idea also in case, God forbid, there ever is a need to use them for identification purposes. I apologize for that last statement, but sadly it is a reality these days.

It is normal, but I understand your concern. Don't do it of you don't want to. But it is WAY cool to see his grown up teeth on film.

My almost 5 year old twins just went to the dentist last week (they have been going since they were 3). My son had x-rays and my daughter did not. The reason...my son was willing and my daughter was not. My dentist has been really great about letting my kids lead the way in their dental care. Each time we go they let him do a bit more. If they say no to something, he doesn't press it. He feels this will lead to a much better relationship with them in the future when he may have to do something they don't like. My kids LOVE going to the dentist at this point!! He was quite surprised how great my son did with his x-rays and he did say it is nice to have a baseline. This was however the first time he tried to do x-rays. My son was thrilled to see the pictures of his teeth which the dr. developed right away so he could see.

So, I would say if your child is willing and doesn't fight it, then it would be good to get a baseline. But I wouldn't force it (as long as the teeth are healthy from the outside.) I think it would be sad to make it into a traumatic event. If your child doesn't want it done, I don't see any harm in waiting another year or two. As I said, my son is almost 5 and just had his first one and his teeth look great!! Good Luck!!

my dentist has some kind of an xray machine that is linked to his computer and the pictures come right up on the computer screen. it uses much less xray power ( if thats what it called!!) than traditional xrays. its fairly new technology. even if your dentist has the old fashioned stuff, xray technology is much improved from years ago. it's nothing to worry about. alot of things can go wrong with teeth that arent evident to the eye. go ahead and get the xrays, it wont hurt your child.

Hi A.. They also asked me to x-rays at my 2 yr old sons 1st visit. I asked if it was a manditory thing they said no so i declined and they were fine with it. Hes going for another check up and if they can give me good reason then i will but if not i dont feel the need to. They are just babies and will loose these teeth. Now when the permanent teeth come in that will be a whole new ball game. Good luck!
A C

I think you should find out why he wants x-rays on your child. Unless there is a severe problem he doesn't need to use x-rays. Those are his baby teeth whic;h he will loose anyway. Ask your medical doctor about it.

Coming from someone who knows (my kids have had dental issues from age 2!), this is totally normal. Our dentist told us that the radiation used now is so low - 80% of what it used to be. Our dentist uses digital X rays. They do X rays on our kids once a year now.

If you need a name of a good pediatric dentist, ours is great. His name is Joshua Solomon in Livermore. My kids should have a fear of dentists after all they've been through, but they don't. They actually like going to the dentist!

hi there,

well I have been a dental asst. for 7+ years and we do take x-rays on children that young. We take the x-rays because it allows us to see inbetween the teeth, where cavities usally start first in children. this is because children brush the tops of there teeth very well but usally not so good on the inside and outside of the teeth surfaces. the radiation from the x-rays are so minute that you shouldnt worry. A very good dentist that I worked with told me that you get more radiation from flying than you do with xrays. I have two children a 5yr old and a 2 year old and they have gotton x-rays. I truly believe that the x-rays are totally safe. If ther are any other questions please let me know.

I hope I was helpful,

K.

this is normal...if you are worried about it, maybe you should talk to your pediatrician! Good Luck!

You should allow the xrays as it is the only real way the centist can see whats going on or if there is a problem. Its not going to hurt him. You care enough to take him to the dentist so let him do his job without worry. Its great to start him young.

I think it is normal practice to take x-rays once a year. The amount of radiation is very low. I've never questioned it with my child who is 3 now, the dentist's reason for doing them was logical to me. I would call around to different pediatric dentists and ask if they also x-ray if you want a second opinion.

Hi, A.,

You have every right to refuse X-Rays for your son or yourself. I recommend that a child's first dental visit need be no sooner than at three years unless the parents have a specific concern. That usually is still early for so-called "routine" X-Rays, in my opinion. If I see anything on a visual exam that looks suspicious, like excess plaque or dark spots on the teeth, then a couple of radiographs may be warranted. If you are brushing your son's teeth once a day, and he is not eating sugary foods or drinking a lot of juice, then the chances of his having any decay are very slim. Early detection of problems in the baby teeth is important, however, and X-Rays are an invaluable tool for dentists. Your child's dentist, I'm sure, can take the time to explain why the X-Rays are needed in your son's specific case. If the rationale is, "we always do it", then you can refuse without having a guilty conscience. In my office, we never push a young child unless there is an urgent need to address a problem. We strive to make all visits fun and brief, to establish a rapport that will last a lifetime. It's sad to see how many of my adult patients have neglected consistent dental care because of unpleasant childhood experiences ! If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to call me. I raised two daughters and I am more than happy to discuss your concerns.
###-###-#### .....D. Cotner, DDS

A.,

Our dentist doesn't take X-rays of children until they are 6 unless they have reason to feel otherwise from something they see on thier teeth.. Just last week I took my kids in for thier 6 month cleaning and my 4 year old didn't have X-rays done.. My 6 year old had them done on his first visit back in April.. If your dentist feels there might be cavities then I would go forth with the X-rays otherwise find yourself a new dentist... I love ours (well as much as you can love a dentist.. *LOL)Gook Luck!

Hi A.,

Many dentists insist on X-Rays and this is a standard of practice now. This way they can see the cavities better. However, I do share your conserns about unnecessarily X-Ray exposure. I did find a dentist for my children who does not do X-Rays on my kids. Your best bet will be a holistic dentist in your area. I do not know where you are located. Feel free to e-mail me for the holistic dentist recommendations.

Best wishes,
M.

M. Rosen, CHom
Certified Homeopath
www.MashaRosen.com
###-###-####
840 Hinckley Road, Suite 110
Burlingame, CA 94010

I worked in a dental office for 5 years, and it is quite normal to take xrays on a 3 year old.

Hi A.,

Getting x-rays is the norm just to make sure that his teeth are being well-cared for and that all the ones that are supposed to be there are there. However, getting the x-rays are a different story. My dentist waited until my son's second appointment so that he would hold those cards in his mouth and sit still.

D.

Ask him to give a medical reason for wanting to take X-rays on your son's teeth. My daughters' dentist didn't request
X-rays on my kids teeth until they were almost 5 when it
is visible that the front big teeth are coming in inside
their gum. I then allowed him to take x-ray to have a
baseline so we can see how the teeth are coming in overtime.
Even at that, it's not all that medically necessary, I think.

A year ago when my son was three I took him to the dentist and he would not let them do anything to him. So the dentist just did a visual check. The same thing happened this year and so he did another visual check. I asked him how much he could really do with a visual check. He said he can see alot so I will have to be okay with that.
good luck

the x-rays are not for "no reason." That's how they will see if your son has a small cavity that may be just starting and can be taken care of without injections/novocaine. You can refuse and if he does have something starting, you won't know until it's big enough for them to see with their bare eye and by then he will have to have a injection to fill the cavity. It's your choice- it's not life or death either way.

As far as I know this is quite normal. Both of my kids have been getting xrays at the dentist since they were 2. The xray is very minimal and helpful in detecting problems early on.

I have three kids ages 5, 3, 2. I take them to the dentist twice a year starting at age 3. We are asked to do x-rays, but I have declined and so far the dentist is not pushing for it. They do a thorough visual examination/cleaning, and I would only allow x-rays if the dentist had a concern about a tooth. I actually follow the same regimen for myself at the dentist ~ no x-rays unless the dentist sees a problem. Also, check if your dentist has digital x-rays as they have much less radiation. People do not have enough concern about radiation these days, the less exposure the better. You are the best advocate for your child. Follow your instincts and do not be intimidated by doctors. They are often forced by law to follow specific treatments which may or may not be best for all patients.
Good luck and I applaud you for being a thinking mom!!

Hi A.,

X-rays are really the only one for your dentist to truly see what's going on with your son's teeth. There is very little exposure. My two youngest kids have been going to their dentist all of their young dental lives (7 & 4). They are not afraid of having their "pictures" taken and I get to see just how well their teeth are developing. I think you should do it. Better safe than sorry.

Yep, it's the norm. They need to, for lack of better language, as a baseline. Your dentist wouldn't expose your kid to something harmful or dangerous. Little kids may get x-rays more frequently than adults cuz kids' mouths change so much. If your child won't tolerate it, then your dentist, if a good one, will be OK w/that & wait til they will sit for it. My BF is our hygentist & her brother is our dentist. Both our boys (8 & 3.5 yrs) had x-rays right around their first visit at 3 yrs.

It is normal for the dentist to want these x-rays to see any decay that might not be on the surface. Also, it gives them a baseline to go off of for the next visit, since they should go in every 6 months....x-rays are however not necessary every time. And be warned insurance will only pay for them once a year. W.

All three of my kids have had X-rays. It's the norm. I think they space them out for kids not like adults who get them every year. I think for kids it's once every three years or so.

Hi--The amount of radiation a person gets from dental x-rays is very tiny. There is all sorts of information about this on the internet if you want to look. In my opinion, the information about my child's tooth health is worth the minimal risk of modern dental x-rays.

This is very normal. The only way to check for decay between the teeth is to take the x-rays. The radiaion exposure is not much at all. Not enough for you to be worried. Its better to be save then sorry. If you let a problem go undetected it will be far worse for your child. Going to the dentist will noy be an enjoyable experience.

Hi- I was pretty much told to leave my kids pediatric dentist office (before their teeth were cleaned!) because I refused x-rays for my 6 year old. I wanted the dentist to examine my daughter's teeth first and if there was an indication that they were necessary then I would let them do it. I was behind my older daughter getting them as she is 10. I agree that there is no danger in a dental x-ray every few years but if it was up to our former dentist my kids would have had them annually since the age of 2-3. That is ridiculous. She just kept repeating it was the standard of care and implied I'm a bad Mom for not doing it. Interesting she refused to clean my girl's teeth unless I agreed to an x-ray so we left and have to wait a couple of months for a new Dentist. Seemed her concern for my daughter's health was not so deep that she would at least clean and examine her teeth. We do not have dental insurance and the appointment as they wanted it with cleaning, examines and x-rays for both girls was nearly $1000. Both children have had cleanings and exams annually since they were about 2 with no cavities or problems at all. If I had gone along with their plan over the years we would have spent literally thousands on dental care for children under 10 with no dental problems! I think the thing that bothers me the most was her condescending attitude, it really was unbelievable as I went home and immediately called two other dentists who say the choice is ours and they would never insist on x-rays for a child unless there was an apparent reason. Always do what you think is right in your heart for your family. You can research any topic online and will usually find out there are lots of other Mom's who may feel they same as you. We need to remember that as individuals we are in charge of our health care and the Doctors and Dentists are there to help us make informed and healthy decisions. We are the customers! Good Luck!