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 149 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestBethany Southern
a year ago
I recently started taking my kids to Playhouse. They are all so kind and are great at communicating and working with the kids. They take precautions for health and safety while making the kids feel comfortable as well. Great experience!
April Benavides
a year ago
Play House Dental did a great job caring for my children's teeth. They make the environment very comfortable and the staff is great!
Ashley Green
a year ago
So great with the kids, fast.
Taylor Krezenski
a year ago
Playhouse dental, was amazing!! Being a former dental assistant I was blown away with the tenderness and attention they have towards the parents and kids. Definitely an amazing place to take the kiddos
Jim Boyce
a year ago
We have four year old twins and both of them had a wonderful experience at Playhouse
Nikki Aiu
a year ago
Our first visit and it was great! Nurse and doctor were kind and gentle with our son. Great experience for starting young kids in good dental hygiene!
Courtney Sanchez
a year ago
We loved our experience here. Dr Stout and his team were super welcoming, patient through insurance issues on our end, and so good with our son. He was happy and comfortable and loved his time there - he talks about wanting to go back. Thank you Playhouse for making our sons first dentist visit such a positive one for our whole family!
Kimberly Wick
a year ago
My kiddos love going to Playhouse Dental.. They've got a great team and are wonderful with the kids.
jerry ripley
2 years ago
So as to hear you sold out !!!!!! Screw all the kids you have served! That now must find another dentist that will except their insurance ! You are sell outs ! and only the kids yo have served will pay ! Hopefully you made tons of money that will ease your consienta will survive !!!!
T Levin
2 years ago
I am so happy with the care my child received. The staff are professional and so kind. Both locations were clean and inviting. They communicated very well with me about what to expect so it made the procedure less stressful. And my kid liked the follow up letter including stickers--a very thoughtful idea!
Melissa Welch
2 years ago
Amazing. Friendly staff, great environment. My oldest daughter is 9 and hasn't ever been checked as throughly as with Dr. Stout. He was kind and answered all my questions. All the hygienists were also kind, friendly, & great with all 3 of my kids. When I declined fluoride and red dye- it was no big deal and I did not receive a lecture that I didn't ask for like all the other dentists my family has visited. So happy this dentistry was recommended to us by a friend! 10/10
Ashley Bee
2 years ago
My almost 2 year old daughter was very well taken care of, even if she was a bit fussy. The staff is very nice and seemed to do an excellent job so we plan to use this office for both my kids in the future!
Maria Farias
2 years ago
My toddler had her first dental appointment it went so smooth and so quick the staff were the sweetest
Chrissie Clardy
2 years ago
To say this crew is incredible with kids is a huge understatement. My daughter Natasha was very nervous and Hope at Playhouse Dental made her feel so comfortable. I could go on for ages. I 1000% recommend them.
Brittany Johnson
2 years ago
We absolutely love Playhouse Dental in Anacortes!! Their wonderful team always held my daughter feel safe and included when she is there! And they go above and beyond to make them comfortable!! If I could I'd give 10/10 stars!!!
Markus Naugle
2 years ago
When our son cracked two teeth skateboarding in our island park, the PH Dental team immediately scheduled an appointment that coincided with the next ferry to Anacortes. Dr. Stout, Kate, Kelsey and the entire staff were so compassionate and supportive of our son whose face was a mess and with us. They calmed him then proceeded to professionally care for his immediate needs as well as plan for future visits that were required. We are so grateful for everyone at PH Dental who make going to the dentist like visiting beloved family. Keep shining team!
Sherina Garbutt
2 years ago
I wish I remembered the Dental assistants name who was so patient and caring to my son during his cleaning. She took her time and explained everything that she would be doing. This was our first visit and the entire staff was exceptional. We saw Dr . Hill and she was very attentive and explained everything to both of us to make our next visit easier. Thank you to the staff. We already love it there after one visit !
Honeydew
2 years ago
I went here when I was a kid, now my baby goes here! It's friendly, cute, great doctors, my 2 y/o never felt scared or cried. Dr. Stout took time before hand to talk to my son before beginning so he felt more comfortable.
Rachel Thomas
2 years ago
Great experience wonderful atmosphere! My daughter was comfortable and learned more about her teeth ..
Nesha Addison
2 years ago
Staff was very nice and welcoming! So glad we chose Playhouse Dental.
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