When Should Dental X-Rays be Taken in a Child?

Many parents ask Dr. Batra about the indications for dental x-rays in children, and unfortunately there is no set answer. The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) have recommendations for when dental films should be taken in children, and this information should be taken as a general guidelines only.

Do all children need dental x-rays?

As one of the few board-certified pediatric dentists in the entire state of Michigan, Dr. Batra has extensive experience in deciding, with the ADA and AAPD guidelines in mind, when dental x-rays are indicated for your child. For example, a child who has never had a cavity before and has excellent home care, may not need dental x-rays as early or as frequently as a child of the same age, who has a history of extensive decay, and has poor home care. The take-home message is that Dr. Batra will cater your child’s treatment to your child’s specific dental needs, and dental x-rays will be taken only when necessary.