Children's Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry
650 North Miller, Wenatchee, WA 98801
509-662-3621

Dentistry



Radiographs

Why does Dr. Schroeder take x-rays?

Cities that have fluoridated water have 50-60% less cavities than cities without, like Wenatchee.

Dr. Schroeder recommends taking x-rays for our patients living in Wenatchee and its outlying areas because they are at a much higher risk for getting cavities.  Some cavities can be visible in the mouth, but many cavities are only seen in dental x-rays.

The following information will help you understand the x-rays that we may be recommending for your child now, or possibly in the future.

I. Type of x-rays and what they provide:

Bitewings

  • They are called bitewings because the x-ray film holder provides a surface for you to bite down on in order to hold the x-ray securely in place.  
  • These x-rays are needed only after the teeth in the back of the mouth are contacting each other.  This sometimes doesn’t happen until the permanent 6 year molars erupt.
  • Bitewings are used to help detect cavities in between the teeth that are not visible by looking in the mouth.
  • It is recommended by both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to take these x-rays every 6 months.
  • We will take 2 bitewings until your child has their 12-year-molars, and then we will take 4 bitewings. 



Panelipse
  • This is one larger x-ray that provides a full picture of the whole mouth, the complete upper and lower jaws, sinuses and jaw joint.
  • It is used to help view general tooth development, trauma, jaw joint pain, wisdom teeth and certain abnormalities.  It will give a broad view but does not provide the fine detail that bitewings or PA’s provide.
  • This x-ray is to be taken every 3-5 years, around ages 6 (for 6 year molars), 11 (for 12 year molars and/or orthodontic evaluations), and 17 (for wisdom teeth).
  • This x-ray has to be exposed for about 12 seconds, and the child must be able to hold still the entire exposure.
  • In addition, the x-ray does not need to be placed in the patient’s mouth, making it beneficial for patients that gag easily.


Occlusal X-Ray
  • These films are less common and are taken to show the whole bite of the upper or lower jaw. 
  • This type of x-ray is used with children between the ages of 3-8 to show how the primary and permanent teeth are developing.
  • Because we are all different there is no “standard” frequency interval. 

 

Periapical (PA) X-Ray
  • Are used to provide images of the entire tooth from crown to root tip. 
  • They are utilized to display the root, cysts, abscesses, etc. that are involved with toothaches.
  • This also enables Dr. Cara to see the permanent teeth growing below the baby teeth.