Paediatric Digital X-ray

An paediatric digital x-ray exam is a noninvasive medical test that helps doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions. X-ray exams use a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.

An x-ray exam may be performed on newborns, infants and older children.

X-rays are a form of radiation like light or radio waves. X-rays pass through most objects, including the body. Once it is carefully aimed at the part of the body being examined, an x-ray machine produces a small burst of radiation that passes through the body, recording an image on photographic film or a special detector.

Different parts of the body absorb the x-rays in varying degrees. Dense bone absorbs much of the radiation while soft tissue, such as muscle, fat and organs, allow more of the x-rays to pass through them. As a result, bones appear white on the x-ray, soft tissue shows up in shades of gray and air appears black.

Until recently, x-ray images were stored on large film sheets (much like a large photo negative). Today, most images are digital files that are stored electronically. These stored images can be easily and quickly accessed to help diagnose and treat disease.

Paediatric digital x-ray exams are generally painless, fast and easy.

Children may experience discomfort from the cool temperature in the exam room or the hardness of the x-ray table. They may find that the positions they need to hold are uncomfortable or painful, especially if they have an injury.

The technologist will help your child find the most comfortable position possible to ensure the best quality images are captured.

Generally, after an x-ray exam, your child can return to their normal activities.

X-ray exams are generally painless, fast and easy. Paediatric digital x-ray exam is a noninvasive medical test that helps doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions. Children may experience discomfort from the cool temperature in the exam room or the hardness of the x-ray table. They may find that the positions they need to hold are uncomfortable or painful, especially if they have an injury. Generally, after an x-ray exam, your child can return to their normal activities.

In general, kids need X-rays more often than adults. Their mouths grow and change rapidly. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends X-ray examinations every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. Children with a low risk of tooth decay require X-rays less frequently.

Sometimes, X-rays are needed and of clear health benefit for your child. In these cases, the risks of not having an X-ray are greater than any small risks of the X-ray itself. The main risk of radiation exposure is developing cancer later in life. however, for most children, radiation exposure to X-rays probably only raises their risk of cancer a very small amount, if at all.