If you’ve been to the dentist for a regular checkup then you’re probably familiar with the process of having your teeth X-rayed. The heavy lead apron draped over your body, the (admittedly - sorry) uncomfortable inserts we make you bite down on, and the buzz of the machine as it takes a picture of your teeth.

Fun fact: the inserts you have to bite down on hold the film for imaging X-rays.

Why do we need to take x-rays and what are we looking for when we do? Good question. The short answer is: to find dental disease and how spread it is and to visualize your teeth, jaw bones, growth patterns and occlusion. 

Believe it or not, there isn’t just one type of X-ray. There are a few different types and each has a specific purpose. But first, what the heck is an X-ray anyway?

An X-ray is an invisible beam of energy that is absorbed by a dense object - like your teeth - and travels through softer objects - like your gums and cheek. The energy is used to create an image that will show up on a scan with teeth and bone appearing light colored and soft tissue appearing dark. The resulting picture helps our doctors get a deeper look at tissues we just can’t get with the naked eye. X-rays are a very important tool in diagnosing problems and assessing tooth health.

For new patients, X-rays (also called radiographs) help establish the current state of your oral health and give us a baseline to help identify changes that might occur later on. Subsequent X-rays help us find new cavities, the status of your gum health, and the growth and development of your teeth. We examine the images to determine if a dark spot on a tooth is a potential cavity, check for bone loss, abscess in the gum or root of your teeth, and to spot abnormalities that might be a cyst or tumor.

Radiographs and energy beams? Sounds like science-fiction, right? It’s actually science fact but you might wonder how safe X-rays really are. The dental X-rays we use at Convivial Dental use the latest technology and are actually very safe. Even though they do use a low level of radiation, any harmful effects to the body are minimal to none. 

While we take every precaution to limit your body’s exposure, including that heavy apron to help shield your neck, chest and lap from extraneous energy, modern dental x rays emit as little radiation as the one you get from the sun if you stay outside for a full day. In fact, our data source at the World Health Organization shows that your body absorbs significantly more radiation during an airline flight. Yet no one thinks twice to take a walk, to spend a day at the beach or to fly for vacation or work. 

Radiographs are indispensable because of the diagnostic information they provide. Like we said, there are actually multiple types of X-rays, five in fact, that we routinely use to get that deeper look at your teeth and jaws. Each one will give us a different view of the mouth for the dentist to inspect.

Bitewing

Like the name implies, the patient bites down on a special paper or small plastic surface while both sides of your mouth are being imaged. This allows the dentist to see how the crowns of your teeth are lining up and to detect cavities between teeth. This type of X-ray is generally taken every year.

Periapical

This type of X-ray allows the dentist to see the full picture of your teeth, from the top (crown) to the tip of the root. In the early years the periapical radiograph  also allows us to get in to see those permanent teeth that lie under the primary teeth, especially bicuspids and molars. Often, this X-ray is utilized as a follow up to a procedure or to figure out what’s going on if you are having symptoms with a specific tooth.

Occlusal

This X-ray is not taken as often but can show us the roof and floor of your mouth to see how your teeth are lining up and to figure out other problems, like extra teeth, jaw issues and tumor growths. Think of an image of the arc of your teeth looking up or down from inside your mouth.

Panoramic

Again, the name of this X-ray tells you what it does. This is used to take an image of your entire mouth, rotating around your head. This X-ray is used to give us a good picture of the growth and development of your teeth and jaw. Panoramics are also used by an orthodontist for braces and oral surgeons before a procedure.

Cone Beam Computed Tomograph Scan (CBCT)

This imaging method is the state-of-science in dental diagnostic imaging and it is also referred to as a 3-dimensional radiograph. Traditional radiographs are two-dimensional and as a result the information the dentist receives is somewhat limited. The CBCT we use at Convivial Dental is an amazing technology. It can show us teeth and jaws in every dimension. While we do not use it for every patient, its use is increasing nationally as dentists realize its high fidelity and diagnostic power that can identify hidden issues and solve diagnostic mysteries.    

How often X-rays are taken, depends on the patient and their risk of developing disease. It’s recommended that children get an X-ray at least once a year to check on dental caries and tooth growth and development. For adults, X-rays will be taken every 1-2 years, depending on oral health. If a patient is experiencing problems like tooth decay or other issues, X-rays might need to be taken every six months.

Dental X-rays are a vital part of our plan to keep your mouth healthy and can show us things that we just could not find otherwise. If you have questions or concerns about the use of dental X-rays give our office a call. We’d love to talk to you.

Click below or call 617-735-0800 today to schedule a consultation. We can’t wait to meet you!

Many parents associate braces and orthodontics with their teen years but you may be surprised to learn that the best time for your little one to have their first orthodontic visit is around their 7th birthday. We know, we know - they’re still running around the jungle gym and definitely not exhibiting any tween behavior (at least we hope not for your sake!). That said, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends children be seen by an orthodontist at age seven and we at Convivial Dental absolutely agree.

Why by age seven?

By age 7, your child’s mouth has matured enough for a trained orthodontic eye to spot current and future issues. We can then make corrections that will help guide their jaw growth and teeth into a healthier place for an easier straight smile later on.

There are many benefits to starting orthodontic treatment earlier (Phase I treatment) as a child; these include overall shorter treatment time, fewer impacted permanent teeth, reduced chance of removing permanent teeth and need for jaw surgery in the future. That’s because with early orthodontics we can:

• Prevent or intercept serious problems from developing and may make future orthodontic treatment (Phase II) much shorter and less complicated
• Guide teeth into desired positions early
• Modify and guide jaw growth
• Minimize crowding/creating room for erupting teeth
• Correct the harmful results of oral habits like thumb and finger sucking
• Improve appearance
• Reduce risk of trauma to protruded front teeth

At Convivial Dental, we think of early orthodontics as a two phase solution – DUAL PHASE ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT:

• Phase 1 works with your young child to make space for his or her permanent teeth, align the jaws and achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing
• Phase 2 begins once all of the permanent teeth have erupted (around 11-12Y)

If you recommend early orthodontics for my child, does that mean they won’t need braces as a teen?

Early treatment (phase 1) can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent additional problems from developing, and simplify future treatment, but oftentimes, additional treatment is still necessary. That said, children who have undergone early orthodontic treatment typically wear braces or Invisalign for a shorter period of time in the teen years than those who have not undergone early intervention. This makes life easier for both them, and you, as both of your schedules get busier and busier.

If I bring my child to you at age 7 are you definitely going to recommend early orthodontics?

Nope! Every child is different and we customize every treatment plan to the individual. Early treatment is not necessary for all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can be more easily and efficiently corrected in the teen years when all permanent teeth have come in; some complex skeletal orthodontic problems should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or complete. Dr. Vicky Cartsos and her team will develop a customized treatment plan based on each individual child’s needs.

In order to create a custom treatment plan for your child, we need to see you! All you need to do is schedule a complimentary consultation with us. We can’t wait to meet you and your seven year old!

Call us today at 617-735-0800 or click below to schedule a free consultation - we can start virtually or in person - your choice!

We want our children to have every advantage, including oral health. That’s why you encourage your child to brush twice a day. You keep the sugary treats to a minimum. You schedule dental exams and cleanings at our Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts office.

So, how did your child get a cavity? What to do to prevent more tooth decay?

First, don’t feel guilty. Some people are more prone to cavities, even with diligent brushing and flossing. But to make sure children have all the advantages when it comes to preventing cavities, we have some tips which might improve their dental habits.

• Better Brushing

Even for adults, brushing technique can be haphazard! Brushing’s not as effective without covering all the tooth surfaces (inside, outside, and molar tops), holding the brush at a 45° angle, gently brushing the teeth with small strokes, brushing for at least two minutes, and flossing between the teeth at least once a day.

Until children develop the motor skills to brush by themselves (around age six or seven), you can help by monitoring their brushing and flossing. If you like, you can use these four minutes a day for fun as well as dental care by playing music, awarding stickers, using an app with entertaining timers, or having your child mirror your brushing habits as you brush together.

And do make your child’s life easier with the right tools. Brush heads should be small enough to fit in little mouths comfortably, and bristles should always be soft. Floss, too, should be soft and flexible. Don’t forget to retire your child’s brush after three or four months—bristles start to fray and won’t clean effectively.

• Sealing the Deal

Ask about dental sealants. This treatment provides a protective coating for your child’s molars. Cavities are so common in molars because the tops of these teeth are quite uneven. Food particles and plaque are trapped in grooves where brushes have a hard time reaching.

The sealant process is a simple and safe one. Healthy teeth are cleaned and dried, an etching solution prepares the tooth surface, a thin coat of sealant is applied, and the coating is hardened under a curing light.

Drs. Cartsos and Zavras might recommend sealants when your child’s first adult molars erupt. Enamel takes a while to develop its full strength, so new molars are especially vulnerable to cavities. Sealants typically last from three to five years, and studies have shown a dramatic reduction in cavities when teeth are treated with sealants.

• Fluoride Helps Prevent Cavities—in Two Ways!

Fluoride helps strengthen enamel in developing teeth. Because many communities have fluoride available in their water systems, your child gets the benefit of this natural mineral.

If you’re providing your child with fluoride toothpaste, you’re helping prevent cavities in the teeth, which have already erupted. The acids from oral bacteria weaken the mineral structure of enamel, which is the first step in forming a cavity. Fluoride helps repair weakened enamel in a process known as “remineralization.”

Drs. Cartsos and Zavras can let you know the amount of fluoride that is right for your child, including how much or how little fluoride toothpaste to use, a prescription supplement if your water doesn’t contain fluoride, or the application of a fluoride treatment directly to your child’s teeth.

• Avoid Tricky Treats

Some treats are much better than others. We’re not talking taste, though. When it comes to dental health, texture and time are more important.

When your child enjoys a plain chocolate bar, saliva helps wash away sugary food particles. Sticky candies and starches, like caramels and potato chips, are a “stickier” problem. They cling to enamel, providing lots of sugar as fuel for cavity-creating bacteria. Similarly, drinking a soda with lunch (not every day, of course!) provides a short exposure to sugars. Sipping sodas throughout the day is like bathing teeth in sugar for hours at a time.

To eliminate some of the treats bacteria love, choose snacks with an eye to how they affect teeth throughout the day, and teach your child to brush or rinse with water after eating.

• Schedule Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings

Most children should be visiting Convivial Dental twice a year, even during the baby teeth years. Drs. Cartsos and Zavras will monitor your child’s primary teeth and developing teeth and bite. And a professional cleaning removes built up plaque that even the most dedicated brusher might miss.

If you have any concerns about cavities and their prevention, Drs. Cartsos and Zavras will have suggestions tailored to your child’s individual needs. Us working together to make sure your child has a healthy, confident smile? That’s a partnership that will provide lifelong advantages!

Orthodontic treatment should begin earlier than most parents are apt to assume. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, orthodontic treatment should start at around seven years of age.

Drs. Cartsos and Zavras can evaluate your child’s existing and incoming teeth early on to determine whether treatment might be necessary or not.

What is early orthodontic treatment?

Early orthodontic treatment usually begins when a child is eight or nine years old. In stage one, bite problems such as underbites and the jaw’s growth pattern are corrected. It can also help to make room in the mouth for the permanent teeth to take their proper places as they come in, which reduces the chance that the patient will require extractions later, due to overcrowding.

Does your child need early orthodontic treatment?

If you notice any of the following characteristics in your son or daughter, you may want to have a chat with Drs. Cartsos and Zavras.

• Early loss of baby teeth (before age five)
• Late loss of baby teeth (after age five or six)
• Your child’s teeth do not meet properly or at all
• Your child is a mouth breather
• Front teeth are crowded (you probably wouldn’t see this until your child is about seven or eight)
• Protruding teeth, typically in the front
• Biting or chewing difficulties
• A speech impediment
• Your child’s jaw shifts when he or she opens or closes the mouth
• Your child is older than five years and still sucks a thumb

What are the benefits of seeking orthodontic treatment early?

There are many benefits to early orthodontic treatment. One of the biggest is that, because a child’s jaw and bones are soft and pliable, corrective procedures such as braces can work much faster than they do for adults.

Treatment at our Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts office can enable your child to avoid lengthy procedures, extraction, or surgery in adulthood. Early orthodontic care will give your son or daughter a healthy, stable smile.