Why take X-rays Routinely at the Dentist?

Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry and authored by Dr. Anita Gouri. 

Why take X-rays Routinely at the Dentist?

Often we get asked “Are X-rays truly necessary? Why?”

Radiographs, more commonly known as X-rays, are a necessary component and valuable tool in a dental diagnostic exam.  At Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry, we never unnecessarily take X-rays.  We are committed to providing the optimal standard of care, which involves periodic radiographs to aid in diagnosing the presence of disease and prevention of adverse conditions.

Toddlers and Children taking X-rays at the dentistX-rays are not only used to diagnose cavities. 

They play a vital role in detecting adverse growth, anomalies, and certain pathologic conditions that could otherwise go unnoticed.  This is done with a routine “panoramic” image.

Amount of radiation in an X-rayThe American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children and adolescents obtain routine periodic x-rays once every 1-2 years, depending on their risk for cavities or the current presence of decalcified areas, which can be a cavity in the early stages of formation. 

“But I don’t like my child getting all of that radiation…”

Good news! At Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry, we use lowest-dose digital sensors for all of our X-rays.  Digital radiography is the safest and most modern equipment for capturing radiographs available, and reduces radiation exposure by 90% when compared to traditional (non-digital) films.  We also protect the body with a lead apron and lead thyroid collar.  Below is a chart that compares digital dental x-rays to other common radiation sources, including daily radiation exposure:

Radiation Source Exposure in millirems Equivalent Dose in # of Digital Dental X-rays
CT Scan 1100 12,200
Mammogram 500-1000 5,500-11,000
Annual Background Radiation 360 4000
Chest X-ray 10-40 100-400
Daily Nature exposure 0.98 10
Airline Flight (per hour) 0.3-0.9 3-10 (per hour)
Traditional Dental X-ray 0.95 10
Our Digital Dental X-ray 0.09 1

As you can see, you get more radiation exposure by being outside for one day!

X-rays are much kinder to the body these days, and very helpful in making sure nothing goes amiss at your child’s dental appointment. 

For more information, please don’t hesitate to call us at 337-981-9242 x1 or visit::

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About the Author

Pediatric Dentist talks on safety of X Rays and why they are necessaryDr. Anita Gouri, a pediatric dentist, has been practicing in Lafayette for 10 years and  is the owner of Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry. She graduated from LSU School of Dentistry in 2006, receiving honors including Outstanding Achievement in Pediatric Dentistry, Honors in Research, and the Carl A. Baldridge Academic  Scholarship. She completed her residency in pediatric dentistry at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington DC in 2008 and became a board certified diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2009.  In 2010, her research on dental pain assessment was published in Pediatric Dentistry. She also has specialized training in treating babies and children who have tongue and lip ties. She is a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Louisiana Dental Association, the Southwestern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, as well as the C. Edmund Kells and Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Societies. Dr. Gouri, her husband, and their two children enjoy travel, Saints football, good food and good friends.

 

Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry
Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry is one of Acadiana’s premier pediatric dental practices, specializing in treating infants to adolescents. We are a boutique-style office that is known for quality, customized care for your child, focusing on making the dental experience fun, comfortable, and fear-free! Dr. Anita J Gouri has had extensive training in laser dentistry, sedation/hospital dentistry, and special needs dentistry. She is also one of the area’s recommended providers for diagnosis and treatment of tongue and lip ties. She graduated from the LSU School of Dentistry in 2006, completed her residency in pediatric dentistry at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington DC in 2008, and became a board certified diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2009. She has been practicing in Lafayette for over 11 years. Dr. Gouri, her husband Brian, and their two children enjoy travel, Saints football, good food and good friends.