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Low-Radiation Digital X-Rays

Pediatric High-Quality Digital Imaging

Your little one climbs into your lap, flashing that wide, toothy grin—the one that lights up your day. As a parent, there’s nothing more important than keeping that smile healthy and bright. But when it comes to dental care, it’s natural to have questions. Is it safe? Is it necessary? Will it be uncomfortable? We get it, and that’s why we use low-radiation digital X-rays, a gentle and precise way to check for any hidden concerns without unnecessary risks. With this advanced technology, we can catch small issues before they become big problems, create personalized treatment plans, and make every visit feel easy and reassuring. Because caring for your child’s smile should bring peace of mind, not stress.

At Olympia Hills Junior Pediatric Dental, we believe in making every dental visit safe, easy, and comfortable for both kids and parents. Dr. Christina Mueller, our Board-certified pediatric specialist, uses the latest in low-radiation digital X-ray technology to provide high-quality care.

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What Are Low-Radiation X-Rays?

X-rays help us see what is happening inside your child’s mouth beyond what is visible to the eye. You may naturally have concerns about radiation exposure, but with this technology, there is minimal exposure to radiation. We use advanced digital X-rays that emit up to 90% less radiation than traditional methods. This helps your child receive the safest, most precise imaging available without unnecessary exposure. These X-rays are so focused that your child won’t even need to wear a heavy lead vest.

When Are Digital X-Rays Used and Who Benefits?

Your child settles into the dental chair, gripping their favorite stuffed animal while you sit nearby, wanting to make sure everything goes smoothly. You know regular checkups are important, but how do dentists catch problems that aren’t visible to the eye? That’s where digital X-rays come in—they quietly do the heavy lifting behind the scenes, ensuring your child’s smile stays healthy as they grow.

We use digital X-rays in key moments, like::

  • Routine checkups: X-rays allow us to monitor tooth development and detect cavities that may not be visible during a standard exam.
  • Orthodontic evaluations: A clear view of jaw alignment and tooth positioning helps determine whether braces or other treatments are needed.
  • Dental emergencies: If a child experiences trauma to the mouth, X-rays help assess hidden fractures, root damage, or other urgent concerns.
  • Monitoring growth and development: Tracking changes over time ensures proper oral development and early intervention if necessary.

Whether your child is prone to cavities, undergoing orthodontic treatment, or has a history of dental issues, using low-radiation X-rays helps us make sure they receive the best care possible. Early detection leads to more effective and less invasive treatments.

Why Parents Love Our Digital X-Rays

Clear answers and fast results are important when it comes to your child’s health. Our digital X-ray technology provides the following benefits:

  • Safe and gentle: Designed specifically for children, our X-rays use ultra-low radiation while still capturing crystal-clear images.
  • Instant results: Images appear immediately, allowing us to discuss any concerns with you without delay.
  • Super accurate diagnoses: The clearer the image, the better we can pinpoint cavities, monitor tooth development, and detect any issues before they become bigger problems.
  • 3D imaging for better treatment plans: Our technology allows us to create a digital 3D model of your child’s mouth. This helps us plan the best care for their growing smile and ensures a customized approach to their dental health. Every aspect of our imaging process is designed to improve accuracy and patient outcomes.

We love to answer your questions and show you and your children how all our cool dental tools work! Call us today to learn more.

How Digital X-Rays Help Prevent Future Dental Problems

Preventative care is the key to maintaining a child’s oral health, and digital X-rays play a major role in catching issues before they become serious. 

Early Cavity Detection

Even with great brushing habits, cavities can form in hard-to-see areas between teeth. X-rays allow us to spot cavities at their earliest stages before they require more extensive treatment.

Identifying Jaw and Bite Issues

A child’s mouth is constantly growing, and digital X-rays help track changes in the jaw and bite alignment. This makes it easier to determine if early orthodontic intervention is needed.

Monitoring Tooth Eruption

Baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth, and X-rays help ensure everything is developing as it should. If a tooth is growing in the wrong direction or is impacted, we can address the issue before it causes discomfort.

Spotting Hidden Dental Concerns

Some dental problems, like infections or bone abnormalities, are not visible during a regular exam. Digital X-rays allow us to see beneath the surface and provide treatment before a child experiences pain or complications. Every child benefits from early detection, as it leads to fewer dental problems in the future.

Tracking Long-Term Changes

Consistent imaging over time helps us detect patterns in dental development and make informed decisions about future care. Taking a proactive approach to dental health results in fewer problems and less need for invasive treatments in the future.

Experience the Latest in Dental Technology at Olympia Hills Junior Pediatric Dental!

At Olympia Hills Junior Pediatric Dental, we believe in providing the safest, most advanced dental care for your child. Our low-radiation digital X-rays offer high-quality imaging with up to 90% less radiation than traditional methods. This means clearer images, faster results, and a stress-free experience for both you and your child. Whether for routine checkups, orthodontic evaluations, or emergency care, our digital X-rays help us detect issues early and create personalized treatment plans.

Dr. Christina Mueller, our Board-certified pediatric dentist, is dedicated to making every visit comfortable and informative. We take the time to walk you through the process, answer your questions, and ensure your child’s oral health is in expert hands. Call us today at (210) 441-3360 or visit our contact form to schedule an appointment.

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Frequently Asked Questions


How much radiation exposure comes from digital dental X-rays?

Great question—and one we get a lot. At Olympia Hills Junior Pediatric Dental, we use cutting-edge digital X-ray technology that emits up to 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays. That means:

  • No heavy lead vest needed—our imaging is that precise and focused
  • Instant results we can review with you during the visit
  • Crystal-clear images to catch cavities early, monitor growth, and plan orthodontic care

Whether it’s your toddler’s first visit or your tween’s ortho check-in, our X-rays are designed to keep things safe, fast, and informative, with your child’s comfort in mind.

Are dental X-rays safe for children?

Yes! We use low-radiation digital X-rays that are not only incredibly safe, but also specially designed for kids’ smaller mouths and growing smiles. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), dental X-rays are an important part of preventive care—and when used appropriately (as we do!), they’re a key tool in keeping your child’s teeth healthy long-term.

They help us spot the things we can’t see with the naked eye—like sneaky in-between-the-teeth cavities, early signs of orthodontic issues, or developing infections.

How often does my child need dental X-rays?

Digital X-rays are like our behind-the-scenes superhero. We use them to:

  • Spot early cavities that like to hide between teeth
  • Track tooth and jaw development
  • Evaluate spacing or crowding for braces or other ortho treatments
  • Assess injuries or dental emergencies
  • Catch potential problems before they cause pain

Think of them like a GPS for your child’s developing smile—guiding our care with precision and confidence.

Now, how often we take X-rays really depends on your child’s specific needs. If your child is more prone to cavities, we may recommend X-rays every six months. If they’re considered low-risk, once a year is usually just right.

Dr. Mueller tailors every child’s X-ray schedule based on their unique oral health needs—and always follows the guidelines set by the AAPD to keep things safe and appropriate.

Here’s what the AAPD recommends:

  • Start X-rays around age 3
  • Aim to capture images of the back teeth by age 4½—those are the most cavity-prone areas and where development is critical

Rest assured, we only take the X-rays your child actually needs—never more.

What can X-rays detect that a visual exam can’t?

A toothbrush and flashlight only get us so far. Digital X-rays help us peek beneath the surface and detect:

  • Cavities between teeth or under existing fillings
  • Developmental concerns hiding below the gums
  • Impacted or missing teeth
  • Bone infections or signs of early gum disease
  • Cysts, tumors, or unusual growths
  • Issues with jaw alignment or bite development

They’re like x-ray vision for us—allowing us to protect your child’s smile from the inside out.

Will my child feel anything during the X-ray procedure?

Nope! The procedure is completely painless. The digital sensor might feel a little bulky in your child’s mouth for a few seconds, but there’s no discomfort and absolutely no sensation from the X-ray itself. Most kids are done in just a couple of minutes and go right back to chatting about their day.

Why do parents love our digital X-rays?
  • They’re kid-approved. No scary machines, no weird noises—just a quick, easy process and then back to their routine.
  • They help prevent bigger problems. The AAPD recommends X-rays as part of a customized care plan to help avoid more invasive treatments later.
  • They give you clarity. We go over what we see in real time, explain every detail, and welcome all your questions.
Can I stay with my child during the X-ray?

In most cases, we ask parents to step just outside the X-ray room for safety—but don’t worry. We’re pros at making kids feel calm, secure, and supported. Whether it’s their first time or their fifteenth, we’ll walk them through every step and ensure it’s a positive experience.