At Luma Pediatric Dental, we use modern digital X-ray technology to help us see areas of your child’s teeth that aren’t visible during a regular exam. These images allow us to detect small problems early—often before they become bigger concerns.
Digital X-rays are quick to take and provide detailed images that help guide safe and effective treatment for growing smiles.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Children?
Yes. Digital dental X-rays use up to 80–90% less radiation than traditional dental film, and the amount of radiation from a typical dental X-ray is extremely small.
To help put this into perspective, the radiation from a dental X-ray is similar to or even less than what we experience in everyday life, such as:
• Natural background radiation from a single day outdoors
• A short airplane flight
• Some routine medical imaging tests
We also follow strict professional guidelines to ensure X-rays are taken only when they are necessary to properly evaluate your child’s dental health.
Why X-Rays Are Important
X-rays allow us to see things that cannot be detected during a visual exam alone, including:
• Cavities between teeth
• Early signs of infection
• Developing permanent teeth
• Growth and spacing concerns
• Hidden dental injuries
Identifying problems early often allows for simpler treatment and better long-term dental health.
Helping Kids Through X-Rays
Some children find X-rays a little awkward at first, which is completely normal. Our team takes time to guide children through the process step-by-step so they know what to expect and feel supported throughout their visit.
If you ever have questions about X-rays, we’re always happy to talk through them with you.
How Often Do Children Need Dental X-Rays?
The frequency of dental X-rays depends on your child’s age, dental development, and risk for cavities. Because every child is different, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Some children may benefit from X-rays once a year, while others may need them less frequently if their teeth are healthy and cavity risk is low.
X-rays may be recommended when:
• A child has cavities or a higher risk for tooth decay
• New permanent teeth are developing
• We need to evaluate spacing or tooth eruption
• A child has dental pain or possible infection
• There has been dental trauma or injury
We follow the guidelines recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) to determine when X-rays are appropriate.
Our goal is always to use X-rays only when they provide important information that helps us care for your child’s dental health.
Why We Sometimes Wait to Take X-Rays
Not every child needs dental X-rays at every visit. In some situations, we may recommend waiting before taking X-rays.
For example, we may delay X-rays if:
• Your child is very young and their teeth can be fully evaluated during the exam
• Your child recently had X-rays taken at another dental office
• Your child has a low risk for cavities and their teeth appear healthy
• We are allowing a child time to become more familiar with the dental environment
Our goal is to use X-rays only when they provide helpful information that cannot be seen during a regular dental exam.
When X-rays are recommended, it’s because they allow us to safely check areas that would otherwise remain hidden—helping us detect problems early and protect your child’s oral health.
What Parents Can Expect During Their Child’s First Dental X-Rays
If your child needs dental X-rays, our team will guide them through the process step-by-step so they know what to expect.
A small sensor or film is gently placed inside the mouth while a picture of the teeth is taken. These images allow us to see areas between the teeth and beneath the gums that cannot be viewed during a regular exam.
Some children adjust to X-rays right away, while others may need a little time to get used to the process. Our team works patiently with each child and offers guidance and encouragement along the way.
If a child is not ready during their first visit, that’s completely okay. In many cases we can wait and try again at a future appointment once they feel more comfortable in the dental environment.
Our goal is always to help children build confidence during their dental visits while ensuring we gather the information needed to keep their teeth healthy.