Communicating with Parents

During the first appointment, a dental professional reduces a parent's resistance to the use of radiographs by informing the parents of the diagnostic need for radiographs and educating them about current radiation hygiene practices and radiographic techniques.  An explanation should include the concept that without radiographs, an examination only detects the tip of the iceberg.  It should be emphasized that visual examination reveals only three of the five surfaces of the teeth because if the child's teeth are close together the dentist cannot see between them.  Furthermore, the dentist cannot see the insides of the teeth, their roots, nor the permanent teeth developing in the jaws.  Radiographs enable the dentist to detect the start of visually undetectable cavities between teeth, infections of the teeth, gums and bones, the shape and presence of unerupted permanent teeth, potential orthodontic problems, and a host of other pathological conditions.

Although excessive radiation exposure can result in cancer, birth defects. and genetic defects, the amount of radiation needed to expose the newer X-ray film has significantly reduced the amount of radiation to which patients are exposed.  As digital radiography gains wider use in the dental practice, dental professionals who use this new technology should mention that it further reduces the amount of X-radiation exposure to a minimum.

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