Full dental xrays at 3 years old??

Curious how you all feel about this? Regular cleanings etc...but xrays not because they think anything is wrong but just to take them. My initial reaction is no way too young, not needed. I would like to know what you all think.

Re: Full dental xrays at 3 years old??

My DS got his first at 2y11m.
I have no issues with it. I think its important to keep on their dental health.

Re: Full dental xrays at 3 years old??

My concern is obviously the radiation exposure at such a young age but yet again it's available so of course it's not hight but is it really even necessary? If anyone is in the dental field can give me some input I would appreciate it. TIA

umm I would pass

Not due to radiation but due to habits and pain. I want her to get into to habit of seeing a dentist but not if it always invovles pain.

Xrays are always painful (at least for every adult *I* know). And its long standing pain not like a shot. You need to hold that little thing in your mouth while they click the image.

I can't possibly explain that to my 3yr old. She'd be a wreck and screaming. It was just NEVER happen. Nope, I'd pass. Maybe older when I can bribe her but not now.

ETA: meaning not if its not NECESSARY. If its required for some condition or bother then of course.

Message edited 9/2/2011 12:05:58 PM.

Re: Full dental xrays at 3 years old??

My ped dentist said as long as they have good spacing between their teeth and they can see enough of the tooth, they don't need to do them just yet (DS is 5).

Re: Full dental xrays at 3 years old??

I should say that my DS has an extra tooth which we needed to do xrays on to see how it was above the gum line.

I think I would have issues with the radiation if he was going every 6 months for x-rays but he goes 1x a year. I have friends whose kids do it 1x every other year.

PS...to the pp, I have never had painful xrays. My DS sat like a pro for his xrays and never complained. I dont think they were painful for him. He simply bit down on the "paper" sat still and 5 second later it was over.

Re: Full dental xrays at 3 years old??

no way. no xrays unless there is a damn good reason (as is something was busted and they needed to fix it).

Re: Full dental xrays at 3 years old??

DS wasn't even offered x-rays by the peds dentist. She simply checked his teeth/spacing and gave him a fluoride treatment.

Re: Full dental xrays at 3 years old??

Ds is 3 years old and had to have an xray. he had a cavity in his front teeth thanks to his past binkie and juice habit but they on;y did 1 xray of only the front teeth to see how deep it was. They don't like to use Novocaine unless they have to. I was told in a few years they will xray the molars to check for cavities but for now cleaning and counting is enough.

Re: Full dental xrays at 3 years old??

when DS went to the ped she specifically told me that the spacing between his teeth was good and she could see enough of them that she didn't feel an x-ray was necessary and i agreed.
i wouldn't let them do one without reason

.

Message edited 9/2/2011 5:59:58 PM.

Re: Full dental xrays at 3 years old??

Anyone know when should the first check up be?

Message edited 9/2/2011 9:12:00 PM.