By declining x-rays for your child, you are reducing their radiation exposure, but you are also limiting our ability to diagnose and monitor oral diseases and to assess your childs dental growth and development. Some cavities can be seen during our visual exam, but cavities between the teeth are usually not visible unless they are quite large. Without x-rays we miss the opportunity of early diagnosis and treatment. Delaying cavity detection increases the risk for pain and infection and may limit treatment options to either stainless-steel crowns (silver caps) or extraction.
The initial x-rays of your childs teeth are usually taken between age 3 to 4. The first images are usually of the front upper and lower teeth (occlusal or periapical), and these are used to check for cavities, missing or additional teeth, and the development of the permanent teeth. The next images are generally of the back teeth (bitewings), and these are used to check for cavities and monitor the eruption of the permanent molars. We follow the ADA/FDA guidelines, and for most children we recommend bitewing x-rays once a year. However, in some cases bitewings are updated every 6 months.
Between the age of 7 to 9, we take a panoramic x-ray, which provides an image of all of your childs teeth and jaw bones. This x-ray is used to evaluate your childs dental and facial growth and development and to identify missing or additional teeth or incorrectly positioned teeth. The panoramic x-ray is usually repeated between the age of 12-13 and between the age of 15 to 16. These x-rays will be provided to an orthodontist or oral surgeon if your child would benefit from braces or wisdom teeth removal.
To minimize unnecessary radiation, we follow the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Their recommendations include: the use of digital x-rays and protective aprons and thyroid collars, and limiting the number of images to the minimum necessary.
Every day, we are all exposed to background radiation radiation from radon gas (found in groundwater, soil and rocks), from space, and from sources that are found naturally within the human body. We are exposed annually to approximately 3,000 microsievert (Sv) of background radiation, which is roughly 8.2 Sv each day. The table below compares approximate radiation from our dental x-rays and some other sources of radiation to daily background radiation. For reference, a 4 year-old child has been alive for 1460 days. If they had the four dental x-rays we recommend between age 3 to 4, this would account for an increase in their total radiation exposure of less than 3%.
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. Ionizing radiation exposure of the population of the United States. National Council on Radiation Protection report no. 160. Bethesda, Md: National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, 2009
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 218 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestolivia coulter
2 years ago
They are amazing. Pretty sure if my dentist was like this when I was little I wouldn't have hated it so much. My kids love coming here and all the children here have smiles on their faces. These kids enjoy going to the dentist!!
Veronica Transue
2 years ago
Poor patient first skills. Called to schedule a new patient appointment for my child and I was put on hold, when she finally answered and I was rudely told they would call me back to schedule, because I called during a high volume check in time. They never called back.
Jessie Harrison
2 years ago
Everyone is very friendly. The Dr. Hill takes her time to check over everything and inform me if we needed to focus on a area. Kids even love going there. Plus they have a old school arcade cabinet in the back. (Not since covid)
Aleksandr Savchak
2 years ago
Highly recommended!! Great service!!! A+++ Thank you so much Dr.Hill and team!!
Sarah Cardoza
2 years ago
The entire staff at Playhouse Dental is amazing! Dr. Hill and her assistant were incredibly patient, kind, and gentle with our two scared toddlers. Thank you for the excellent care!
Elena McPeak
2 years ago
Extremely patient and very good with kids. My three year old left there and told me "That was fun!!" Highly recommend.
Jana Davis
2 years ago
All staff are trained to work with children. The environment is kid friendly and special care is taken to make the child have a good experience while educating in dental care. Excellent communication between staff and parent about treatment.
Chris Finckbone
2 years ago
Love this place my kids love it more. they actually get excited to go to the dentist, and always smile when they leave. If your looking for a kids dentist there the best
Elena McPeak
3 years ago
Extremely patient and very good with kids. My three year old left there and told me "That was fun!!" Highly recommend.
Sarah Cardoza
3 years ago
The entire staff at Playhouse Dental is amazing! Dr. Hill and her assistant were incredibly patient, kind, and gentle with our two scared toddlers. Thank you for the excellent care!
Jana Davis
3 years ago
All staff are trained to work with children. The environment is kid friendly and special care is taken to make the child have a good experience while educating in dental care. Excellent communication between staff and parent about treatment.
Chris Finckbone
3 years ago
Love this place my kids love it more. they actually get excited to go to the dentist, and always smile when they leave. If your looking for a kids dentist there the best
Stephanie Allen
3 years ago
The facility is beautiful and the staff is so friendly! My son was a little scared with it being his first time and they took their time with him, letting him take the lead, skipping things he was showing discomfort with, and ensuring it was a positive experience for him and not traumatizing. There are also plenty of puzzles, toys, and activities for waiting periods. So grateful for an amazing dental experience for my children.
Brittany Gutierrez
3 years ago
What's not to love??! Finally a decent dentist.
Barbara Eaton
3 years ago
We always get excellent care. You are the best
Christina Thomson
3 years ago
Amazing with kids! They are everything I could hope for beginning my kids dental health with positive experiences.
Jacob Petz
3 years ago
Worth the drive from Whatcom County
Emily Anderson
4 years ago
This place is amazing. I was anxious about taking my daughter to dentist for her first time and they make it so easy for everyone! I highly recommend Playhouse Dental. It also VERY nice, clean and wonderful atmosphere for children.
Barbara Eaton
4 years ago
We always get excellent care. You are the best
Stephanie Allen
4 years ago
The facility is beautiful and the staff is so friendly! My son was a little scared with it being his first time and they took their time with him, letting him take the lead, skipping things he was showing discomfort with, and ensuring it was a positive experience for him and not traumatizing. There are also plenty of puzzles, toys, and activities for waiting periods. So grateful for an amazing dental experience for my children.
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