X-Rays at Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Your child’s first dental visit will likely include an x-ray of your child’s teeth. This x-ray can allow the pediatric dentist to detect problems with incoming teeth long before they become bothersome or painful for your child. An x-ray is often the only way to detect these problems because trouble beneath the gums is not often viewable just by looking into your child’s mouth.

You should be sure to schedule your child’s first appointment when their first tooth breaks the surface of the gums. If this has not occurred by your child’s first birthday, then you should bring in him or her by then as well. This recommendation is in line with what Brooklyn pediatric dentists and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists suggest.

Although most children will undergo an x-ray examination on their first visit, follow up x-rays may not need to occur every visit. Some children may need x-rays twice per year while others that are not as susceptible to cavities may only need a yearly x-ray exam.

What to Expect During the First X-Ray Exam

Your child’s “baby teeth,” or primary teeth, set the stage for how their permanent teeth will grow in approximately six years down the road. That is why keeping an eye on how baby teeth are coming in is so important. The x-ray procedure that a kid’s dentist will use is safe, with minimum exposure of radiation to your child. It is painless and quick, similar to adult x-ray procedures.

A lead vest will be used as a precaution to protect your child from radiation. The lead vest can be somewhat scary or confusing for some children, so you may want to tell your child about the vest and process ahead of time. Dr. Yury Slepak can explain this process to your child as well.

Finding the Right Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentistry offers specialized care for children. Dr. Yury Slepak works with children daily, so he is extremely experienced in analyzing x-ray results to spot potential problems with your child’s teeth. He and his Brooklyn dental hygienist team are also extremely skilled at keeping children calm and dealing with anxiety about visiting the dentist. Give us a call today to schedule your child’s first appointment!