RADIOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES IN CHILDREN Maha AL-SARHEED

INTRODUCTION Roentgen’s discovery of the x-ray in 1895 provided one of the most important diagnostic aids in dentistry The examination determines the needs for and type of radiographs to be taken The child’s cooperation and selection of correct radiographic technique are essential to radiographic examination

Rationals for Radiographs A patient should be exposed to diagnostic radiation when the planned radiograph will provide information which: A. Cannot be gained in another manner; and B. May affect the prognosis or treatment to be rendered The decision as to how many and which radiographs are to be taken must be individually determined for each patient. A patient should never be exposed to diagnostic radiation if you are not confident the result will be an image of diagnostic quality.

Advantages of Radiograph Detect early carious lesions Discover eruptive and developmental problems Reach accurate registration of pulpal outline Reach accurate diagnosis, and treatment plan Prevent future Orthodontic problems

Radiation Safety and Protection Low level of radiation on biologic system has unknown effect Younger tissues and organs are more sensitive to radiation Sensitivity varies from one organ to another Best protection is to shield all the unevaluated areas using a lead apron and a thyroid collar

Child preparation and Management Role models Contour Film Gag reflex distraction Parental lap Bad taste

Selection criteria for Radiographic examination Criteria for deciding on the radiographic examination for children are: 1. The risk of dental caries 2. Patient visit 3. Stage of dentition development 4. Types of findings anticipated (trauma, anomalies)

Selection of Radiograph-Film Age of the child Size of the oral cavity Numbers of carious teeth Level of the child’s cooperation

Radiographic Techniques 1.Bite wings 2.Periapicals 3.Max/Mand occlusals 4.Extraoral/Lateral film 5.Soft tissue x-rat 6.Panoramic radiographs

Serious Note It is clinic policy that the faculty and students will confer together to determine which radiographs are appropriate for each specific patient There are no "routine" radiographs taken in Pediatric Dentistry There are no exposures of children to ionizing radiation are to occur prior to an assessment of radiographic needs Most pediatric patients do not require full mouth series

Serious Notes During the transitional dentition stage a panoramic radiograph may be indicated if the presence and position of succedaneous teeth can not be evaluated on previous radiographs A final pediatric panoramic radiograph may be ordered after all of the permanent teeth (except third molars) have erupted (14-17 years old).