This is an excellent question! There is a standard of care that all dentist should practice within. Part of this includes x-rays as part of a comprehensive exam. A dentist who treats patients without a proper exam, which includes x-rays, is practicing below the standard of care.
Dental x-rays are necessary in a comprehensive dental exam. Without x-rays we would not be able to diagnose small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings), abscesses or cysts, developmental abnormalities and some types of tumors correctly, if at all. With x-rays, we can diagnose these conditions much earlier and treat them much more conservatively. If they aren’t diagnosed, they can get worse and become a health issue not to mention become more expensive to treat.
As you know children are growing and changing every second of every day. Because of this fact alone X-rays are almost never the same. Developmental growth is extremely important to monitor and we cannot do this efficiently without x-rays. Additionally primary teeth (baby teeth) are not as strong as permanent teeth and are more susceptable to cavities, therefore making it even more important that we follow these teeth closely.
Our office will be happy to discuss the reasons for dental x-rays. At your new patient visit with us we do a comprehensive exam and x-rays at a minimum. Dr. Randy and Dr. Tyler prescribe dental X-rays, strictly following the X-ray guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Providing dental care without the benefit of x-ray examination can place the dentist in a seriously liable and indefensible position.
Next series: Dental X-rays are bad for you, aren’t they?
