Improve your smile today – call to schedule a consultation!

Digital X-Rays

As modern dentistry continues to evolve, Dr. Stefan Ionescu is better able to detect small dental problems before they become big ones. What this means for our patients is that treatment is generally quicker and more comfortable. What it means for their parents is that treatment is less expensive.

At Little Smiles Dentistry, we are pleased to provide our patients with the most modern, up-to-date dental technology, including digital x-rays.

What Are the Benefits of Digital X-Rays?

A visual inspection while conducting an examination is certainly important, but an x-ray is the only way Dr. Ionescu can see cavities between the teeth. A digital x-ray is also the only way to tell how much decay has spread throughout the tooth and whether a filling will take care of the cavity or additional treatment is needed.

Digital x-rays are much more sensitive than x-rays of yesterday, making it possible to see tooth decay and bone loss that would not have been visible in the past. Now these areas are revealed, making it easier for your dentist to make a diagnosis.

In addition, Dr. Ionescu can view digital x-rays immediately after they are taken. Digital x-rays can also be viewed in larger formats. If treatment is needed, the x-rays can easily be sent to your insurance company so there are no delays in waiting for approval.

Digital radiography has not only made the x-ray process faster, but these modern machines give off substantially less radiation. Even so, Dr. Ionescu still takes all necessary steps to protect your child, including using a lead apron.

How Are X-Rays Taken on Small Children?

Very young children can usually sit on their parent’s lap during the process. Older children can usually sit in the chair by themselves.

If a child is particularly uncooperative or has special needs, Dr. Ionescu will first conduct a visual examination. If a potential problem is detected and he feels that an x-ray is needed to further identify the issue, he will make another attempt to try it. If your child is still anxious, he might recommend sedation.

Oral conscious sedation or nitrous oxide are both safe ways to keep a child calm so an x-ray can be taken. They can help children relax and can make the entire process quite pleasant for them. Dr. Ionescu will discuss these options with your thoroughly beforehand. Your child’s safety is of utmost importance to us.

How Safe Are Digital X-Rays?

It’s natural for parents to be concerned about the safety of x-rays. Today’s modern digital radiographs put out an extremely small amount of radiation. In addition, your child will be protected at all times with a lead apron.

Digital x-rays are imperative for assessing your child’s complete oral health. Not taking x-rays and overlooking a problem that could become serious is far more dangerous for your child in the long run.

Call Little Smiles Dentistry

Bring your child in to our pediatric dentistry office for a complete examination, including digital x-rays. Your child’s oral health is important to us, and we will do everything we can to make sure visiting the dentist is enjoyable. Call us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need to get x-rays?

Dental x-rays are a necessity when it comes to the diagnostic process for your child’s dental health, and they shouldn’t be skipped. Dental x-rays allow us to see beyond what can be seen by the naked eye, including health conditions that might need treatment. Without an x-ray, dental conditions can be missed and left untreated. It’s important to remember that when dental problems are detected early, treatment is more comfortable for your child—and for your wallet.

We ascribe to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommendations for x-rays: Children should have them done twice annually; children who are at a higher risk for tooth decay might have x-rays done based on their individual risk level of developing cavities.A full set of x-rays, including panoramic and bitewings, is recommended every three years.

For parents who are worried about the safety of x-rays, they needn’t be. Parents should keep in mind that your pediatric dentist is particularly careful about using all safeguards available to protect your child from radiation exposure. With today’s high-speed equipment and safety measures such as lead body aprons and shields, the amount of radiation exposure is minimal and the risk to your child is negligible. It is far more worrisome to let a dental problem go undetected and untreated.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Stefan Ionescu

Dr. Stefan Ionescu enjoys creating a fun and comfortable experience for children at each and every dental visit. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He taught high school in Europe prior to returning to Texas and obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Baylor College of Dentistry. He then went on to complete an additional two years of specialized pediatric training at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Dr. Ionescu is a board certified pediatric ...