Digital X-rays

At Kids World Pediatric Dentistry, our primary mission is to deliver specialized pediatric dental care in San Antonio, tailored specifically for children, all within a vibrant, engaging, and child-centered environment that turns dental visits into positive experiences rather than sources of anxiety. We prioritize the use of advanced technologies like digital x-rays to ensure accurate diagnostics while keeping procedures as comfortable and safe as possible for our young patients.

Digital x-rays, also known as digital radiographs, represent a modern evolution in dental imaging technology. Unlike traditional film-based x-rays, which require chemical processing and physical storage, digital x-rays use electronic sensors placed inside the mouth to capture images instantly. These sensors detect x-ray beams that pass through the teeth and surrounding structures, converting the information into digital data that appears on a computer screen within seconds. This process not only speeds up the diagnostic workflow but also significantly reduces radiation exposure—typically by 80-90% compared to conventional x-rays—making it an ideal choice for pediatric patients whose developing bodies are more sensitive to radiation. Additionally, digital images can be easily enhanced, enlarged, or shared with specialists, and they eliminate the need for harmful developing chemicals, promoting an eco-friendly approach to dentistry.

Radiographs are an essential component of your child’s comprehensive dental diagnostic process, serving as a vital tool that provides insights beyond what can be seen during a standard visual examination. Without these images, numerous dental conditions could go undetected until they become more severe, potentially leading to complications that require more invasive treatments. For instance, digital x-rays are crucial for identifying early-stage cavities (small areas of tooth decay), which might not yet cause pain or be visible to the naked eye. But their utility extends far beyond just spotting decay—they are indispensable for assessing the position and development of un-erupted permanent (adult) teeth, monitoring the natural sequence of tooth eruption as baby teeth make way for adult ones, diagnosing underlying bone diseases or abnormalities, evaluating the long-term effects of injuries such as falls or sports-related trauma to the mouth, and meticulously planning orthodontic treatments like braces to correct misalignments.

By allowing pediatric dentists to pinpoint and address health issues that remain hidden during a routine clinical exam—such as subtle changes in bone structure or early signs of infection—digital x-rays empower proactive care. Catching dental problems in their infancy not only saves families time and reduces overall treatment costs but also ensures that interventions are gentler and less discomforting for the child, as smaller lesions (damaged areas) are easier to manage than advanced ones that may require drilling, fillings, or even extractions.

In line with guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), we recommend scheduling radiographs alongside regular examinations every six months for children identified as having a high risk of tooth decay, such as those with poor oral hygiene habits, a diet high in sugars, or a family history of dental issues. For most children with average risk levels, pediatric dentists typically request these x-rays about once a year to balance the benefits of early detection with minimizing unnecessary exposure. These recommendations are personalized based on each child’s unique needs, ensuring that we adhere to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) to keep radiation doses minimal while maximizing diagnostic value.

Types of Digital X-rays Used in Pediatric Dentistry

To provide a thorough evaluation, pediatric dentists employ several specific types of digital x-rays, each designed to capture different views and details of the oral structures. These are all performed using digital sensors for quick, low-radiation imaging. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types and how they work:

• Bitewing X-rays: These are among the most frequently used x-rays in pediatric dentistry, particularly for routine check-ups. During the procedure, the child bites down on a small sensor holder (often with a tab that resembles a “wing”) positioned between the upper and lower teeth. X-ray beams are directed from outside the mouth, passing through the teeth and gums to the sensor, which captures the image digitally. This type focuses on the crowns (visible parts) of the back teeth, revealing cavities between teeth, early decay below the gumline, and how well the upper and lower teeth align when biting. It’s especially useful for detecting interdental (between-teeth) issues that are common in kids due to flossing challenges or snacking habits.
• Periapical X-rays: Ideal for examining specific teeth in detail, these x-rays provide a full view from the crown down to the root tip and surrounding bone. The sensor is placed inside the mouth near the targeted tooth, and the x-ray machine is angled to send beams through the area, highlighting the entire tooth structure. This helps identify problems like abscesses (infections at the root), bone loss from gum disease, impacted teeth, or root abnormalities. In children, they’re often used when there’s suspicion of deep decay or after an injury to assess nerve health.
• Occlusal X-rays: These larger images capture the full arch of either the upper or lower teeth in one shot, making them valuable for monitoring overall development in young patients. The child bites down on a flat sensor or holder that covers the entire bite surface, and x-rays are taken from above or below to produce a broad, flat view. This type reveals bite alignment issues, the presence of extra or missing teeth, cysts, or the progress of permanent teeth erupting beneath baby teeth. It’s particularly helpful for toddlers and young children to spot congenital anomalies early.
• Panoramic X-rays: Offering a comprehensive, 180-degree view of the entire mouth, including all teeth, jaws, and sinuses, panoramic x-rays are excellent for orthodontic planning and evaluating growth. Unlike intraoral types, the sensor and x-ray source rotate around the child’s head while they stand or sit still, capturing a sweeping image without anything placed inside the mouth. This method is great for assessing unerupted teeth, jaw alignment, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, or potential tumors, and it’s often used every 3-5 years in growing children to track developmental milestones.

In all cases, safety measures like lead aprons and thyroid collars are used to protect the child’s body from unnecessary radiation, and the digital format ensures the lowest possible dose.

Safety and Considerations for Pediatric Digital X-rays

We take radiation safety seriously, especially for children. Digital technology inherently uses less radiation than film x-rays, and we only take images when clinically justified. Parents can rest assured that the benefits of early detection far outweigh the minimal risks, as supported by organizations like the FDA and AAPD.