Pediatric Panoramic X-rays Show More Than Tooth Decay

Baby teeth fall out after a few years, but they are invaluable for your child’s overall wellness and development. They also act as placeholders for their permanent teeth. Brushing and flossing help keep their mouth healthy, but regular dental checkups are equally important. Besides a visual examination, their pediatric dentist will also review panoramic X-rays. This allows their dentist to see every detail of their mouth in one image. Not only can they spot tooth decay, but they can also see their unerupted teeth. Here’s why this glimpse into the future is an important piece for your little one’s oral and overall health. 

Benefits of Panoramic X-Rays

A panoramic X-ray shows a complete scan from the front of the mouth to the back. A wide view of your child’s oral structures can show many things not visible from the surface, like issues with their sinuses, jawbone, and unerupted teeth. 

A pediatric dentist can monitor your child’s growth and development of both erupted and unerupted teeth. They can even detect missing or extra teeth before the primary tooth is lost. Therefore, they can prevent future problems by intervening early. Common issues found using panoramic X-rays can include:

• Missing Teeth: Some teeth never develop, but other cases of missing teeth can be caused by a genetic condition called hypodontia, which can be hereditary. If an X-ray shows missing teeth, your child will be referred to an orthodontist to create a treatment plan.
• Extra Teeth: Some children have too many teeth, called supernumerary teeth. Supernumerary teeth often cause eruption issues because there may not be enough room in their mouth. This can lead to overcrowding, which can be resolved using a palate expander or extractions.
• Impacted Canines: Impaction of the upper adult canines can be detected early. Expanders can be used to widen the upper arch to prevent needing oral surgery to turn the teeth.

Panoramic X-Rays Are Safe

Traditional film X-rays use radiation to capture images. Although the amount is minimal, it’s normal to have concerns about their safety. There’s no reason to worry, thanks to digital X-rays. They use 70% to 90% less radiation than film. Any adverse effects are very unlikely.

About Dr. Maggie Davis

Dr. Davis is a board-certified pediatric dentist and a Diplomate in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She completed her dental degree and pediatric residency at the University of Florida. Dr. Davis regularly pursues additional training to provide the most up-to-date solutions, like digital panoramic X-rays. Book an appointment online or contact her office at (727) 472-8662.