Dubai, UAE - As a parent, it's normal to have second thoughts about getting a dental X-ray for your child and have safety concerns. The good news is that dental X-rays are safer than ever - thanks to contemporary technology. Although X-rays are diagnostic in nature, they can serve as a preventative tool by assisting in identifying issues in your child's mouth before they worsen. Digital X-rays have mostly taken the place of outdated film versions in many dental practices around the world. They produce around 80% less radiation.

“Pediatric X-ray is a type of medical imaging that uses a small amount of ionizing radiation to produce images of the inside of a child's body. The images produced by pediatric X-rays are used to diagnose and monitor various health conditions in children. These images are captured using a special machine that sends a focused beam of X-rays through your child's body, which is then detected on a film or digital sensor. They are generally safe and pose minimal risks to children, as the amount of radiation exposure is carefully controlled and monitored by professionals.” says Dr. Yasmin Kottait, Pediatric Dentist in Dubai

In paediatric dentistry, X-rays are used to identify dental issues and to direct care accordingly. For instance, X-rays enable your best Pediatric dentist in Dubai to:
Look for tooth decay between teeth
Determine cavities that aren't visible to the human eye
Observe your child’s unerupted teeth
Determine if wisdom teeth are impacted or unable to erupt due to problems such as bone structure inhibition or other teeth, or estimate the date of unerupted wisdom teeth.
Determine how much room there is in the mouth for permanent teeth that have not yet emerged
Determine the size and position of the teeth that are inside the gums
Identify any additional or missing teeth
Verify that the decay is not escalating
Identify a tooth infection or an abscess

Types of dental X-rays for kids
There are various kinds of infant tooth X-rays, each with a particular objective.

Bitewings
These X-rays provide a picture of the crowns for the top and bottom side of the mouth, such as the molars of the top and bottom teeth. Teeth decay, particularly between the teeth, is discovered via bitewing X-rays. They also aid in determining changes in your child’s bone density, which may indicate an aggressive form of gum disease in rare circumstances.

Periapical
This kind of X-ray produces a thorough image of one or two teeth, showing every detail from the root to the crown. They are frequently applied to evaluate your child’s bone and root structure and to check if there is any infection underneath the tooth

Occlusal
Occlusal X-rays capture an image of the complete top or bottom row of your child’s teeth's arch. They assist your dentist in determining whether your child's teeth are positioned properly when biting.

Panoramic
An image of your child’s entire mouth, including both rows of teeth, is produced via panoramic X-rays. They are frequently employed in the diagnosis and treatment of erupting teeth or impacted teeth. Also to assess growth for orthodontic purposes.

Cephalometric
Orthodontists make use of cephalometric X-rays. The patient's complete head, including the teeth and jaw, may be seen in profile on the X-ray. It will help the orthodontist understand the root cause of the malocclusion and how best to treat it.

Computerised tomography using a cone beam
The maxillofacial region, which includes the teeth, gums, mouth, and neck, is digitally imaged in three dimensions using computer tomography. It is used to treat facial injuries like jaw or sinus injury, atypical tooth eruptions, cleft palates, and root canals. It is especially useful when there is an extra tooth in either jaw as it helps the oral surgeon to localise its exact position.


What is the procedure?
The procedure for a dental X-ray in children is generally quick and straightforward. Your child will be asked to sit in the dental chair, and your dentist will place a lead apron over your child's chest and abdomen to protect the rest of their body from radiation. The dentist will then position the X-ray machine next to your child's head and ask them to bite down on a small piece of plastic or foam to hold the X-ray film or digital sensor in place. During the X-ray, the dentist will step out of the room to minimise their exposure to radiation. The X-ray machine will send a beam of radiation through the teeth and surrounding structures, which will be detected by the film or sensor. The entire process typically takes just a few seconds.

Once the X-ray is complete, the dentist will remove the film or sensor and review the images to evaluate your child's teeth and surrounding structures. They may discuss the findings of the X-ray with you, if any, and recommend any necessary follow-up care.

What are the benefits of getting a dental X-ray for my child?
Dental X-rays for kids have several benefits and are an important tool in maintaining good oral health. One of the main benefits is the early detection of cavities, gum disease, and oral infections, which can be treated more effectively when caught early. Additionally, dental X-rays can help identify any problems with the development of your child's teeth and jaws, such as overcrowding, misalignment, or bite issues, allowing for prompt and appropriate treatment.

“Dental X-rays can also be used to monitor the progress of your child’s ongoing dental treatment, such as orthodontic treatment, and to evaluate the success of restorative procedures, such as fillings or crowns. As a parent, you must work closely with the best pediatric dentist in Dubai and follow their recommendations for dental X-rays as part of a thorough approach to maintaining your child’s oral health.” says Dr. Yasmin.

How frequently should my child have dental X-rays?
Your child’s age and general dental health will determine the frequency. They may require X-rays every 6 months for routine check ups. Until the issue is resolved, X-rays may be required every six months if they have tooth emerging or decay issues.


Is dental X-ray safe for my child?
Your paediatric dentist may advise your child to have dental X-rays once or twice a year. Your dentist will also recommend x-rays every six months for any youngster who is at risk of tooth decay. Keep in mind that each child is unique, and the frequency with which your child requires X-rays will be determined by their personal health history, dental health, and risk factors. Remember that dentists will only take x-rays when absolutely required or to follow-up a dental condition.

Since digital X-rays don't use X-ray film and don't create images using radiation, they are frequently used by kids specialists in Dubai. Dentists also put a thyroid collar or a leaded apron on children to prevent the radiation from entering their bodies.

This is the reason why the best pediatric dentist in Dubai takes only the required amount of X-rays on children who have ongoing tooth issues. Finally, the kind of equipment used may raise some questions. With only one setting, older X-ray equipment frequently uses more radiation than is necessary. Find a pediatric clinic in Dubai who uses up-to-date X-ray equipment with adjustable radiation levels if you want to be as safe as possible.

“To assure the security of the kids we treat, we use cutting-edge X-ray technology. Our X-rays use significantly faster film than earlier generations of X-ray equipment and work with very low radiation levels. Last but not least, to further lessen the effects of stray radiation, your child will be given a lead apron to wear during radiography. We invite you to contact us if you have any concerns or inquiries about your child's dental treatment. Our helpful and educated staff will make every effort to address your concerns and provide you peace of mind.” says Dr. Yasmin.


Concerned about radiation from X-ray? Here’s what you should know!
Pediatric dental X-rays expose your child to less radiation than some daily activities.

Daylight: Walking outside exposes you and your child to minimum amounts of radiation. This radiation is known as background radiation, and it occurs naturally. While radiation can be emitted by the earth, the air, or the rain, it largely comes from the sun. Your child is likely to get more radiation outside than with pediatric dental X-rays.

Flying: Flying in planes puts you and your child in areas where the atmosphere is less shielded by the ozone layer, causing more exposure to radiation. The good news is that your child will be exposed to less radiation during pediatric dental X-rays, than flying.

Using Electronics: Small amounts of radiation are emitted by cell phones, fluorescent bulbs, microwaves, and computers. These levels are so low that there is no known danger to you or your child's health from them. Your child will receive more radiation from these sources than through pediatric dental X-rays.



Are you prepared to make your child's next dentist appointment? Call Dr. Yasmin right away!

About Dr. Yasmin Kottait: Having dedicated 16 years of her career to spreading smiles and imparting knowledge of oral hygiene to children, Dr. Yasmin is a renowned name and face in the field of Pediatric dentistry in Dubai. Her joyful personality and magical kid-whispering powers make dental appointments for kids an easy sail – and lots of fun, that they never miss a single dental appointment with her! Dr. Yasmin is also one of the few Autism friendly dentists in the region, with a diploma in Cognitive Based Hypnotherapy and IBCCES Autism certification.