Dental x-rays for children may be a daunting topic, especially for parents not considering them. However, radiographs are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) in order to help practitioners make the correct diagnosis and the best decision when it comes to the oral health of children and adolescents.

Dental x-rays play an essential role when it comes to children’s health care. They’re generally used to diagnose oral diseases and monitor the dentofacial development and the progress of the selected therapy. Additionally, the radiographic examination is recommended not based on the age of the patient; but more precisely, to their individual circumstances. Therefore, after reviewing each patient’s medical and dental histories and comparing the clinical examination findings, x-rays specific to a child’s needs can be ordered and made.

Although there are some effects of radiation that may accumulate over time, the patient’s exposure is minimized with the recent improvements in technology and the advanced practices such as using a lead apron, thyroid collars, and digital or high-speed film.

When determining if radiographs are needed the expert clinical judgment is in a tight bond with reducing the amount of radiation exposure and facilitating proper diagnosis. Radiographic images are the standard of care in pediatric dentistry and used to ensure the proper diagnosis of dental disease in children.