Why do we need to take dental radiographs?

Radiographs are only taken when it will directly benefit your child's dental health. Dental radiographs allow us to provide your child with the highest standard of care through diagnosis and treatment planning. Radiographs help us discover developing tumour, cysts, abscesses, growth patterns, missing or additional teeth as well as decay. At least 35% of all decay is not visible to the naked eye.

How do we ensure your child's safety when taking dental radiographs?

In our office we only take dental radiographs when necessary and ensure that your child is exposed to the lowest dose of radiation.
• We use digital technology that is designed to reduce radiation exposure levels. Digital or computerized radiographs use less radiation than traditional films.
• Your child wears a protective lead apron which covers sensitive reproductive cells and bone marrow. Lead aprons weaken the scattered radiation by 94%.
• Our staff have been trained and certified in dental radiography courses.

These are radiographs of specific teeth in the mouth. The crowns of the teeth and sometimes part of the root of the tooth are visible. They help us detect cavities between teeth, the quality of any previous dental fillings and even the bone level around teeth.

They are called bitewing because your child will be asked to bite down on the film holder to secure the film in place.

Bitewing x-rays

These are radiographs of specific teeth in the mouth. The entire crown to root tip of the tooth is visible. They help us detect abscesses, cysts, bone levels, periodontal ligament health and root fractures.

Pericapical radiograph

These are radiographs of specific areas, usually the front of the upper and lower jaws. They help us check on how the position and development of the permanent front teeth. They also are used to detect the presence and location of supernumery or extra teeth.

Occlusal radiograph showing a supernumery tooth within the palate (roof of the mouth)

This radiograph includes the upper and lower jaws as well as the nose, orbits, sinuses, and tempromandibular (jaw) joint. It gives a general view of your child's developing teeth and jaw. It is often used to access space requirements for the permanent set of teeth, extra or missing teeth, jaw trauma, joint pain, wisdom teeth and other developmental or acquired problems (such as cysts).

Panoramic x-ray