Pediatric Dental X-Rays in Belmont, NC

Many of the problems that cause the most damage in children's teeth — cavities between teeth, infections developing beneath the gumline, and permanent teeth growing in the wrong position — are completely invisible to the naked eye. At Main Street Pediatric Dentistry of Belmont, we use advanced digital X-ray technology to find these problems early, when they are easiest to treat.

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Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Children?

Yes, when taken with modern digital equipment by a board-certified pediatric dentist following established safety protocols, dental X-rays are considered very safe for children. At Main Street Pediatric Dentistry of Belmont, Dr. Matthew Savage follows the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), meaning X-rays are only taken when the diagnostic benefit is clear and radiation exposure is kept as low as possible.

Our digital X-ray system uses up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays and produces sharper images instantly. Every child is protected with a lead apron and thyroid collar during imaging. X-rays are a critical complement to dental exams — many of the problems they reveal are completely invisible during a visual examination alone.

Up to 90%

Less radiation than traditional film X-rays

ALARA

Radiation safety principle followed

20+

Years of pediatric dental experience

Board-Certified

Pediatric dentist Dr. Matthew Savage

Types of Dental X-Rays Used for Children

Not every child needs the same type of X-ray at every visit. Dr. Savage selects the imaging that gives the most useful diagnostic information for your child’s specific age, development stage and oral health history.

Bitewing X-Rays

The most common type. Shows the upper and lower back teeth in a single image to detect cavities between teeth and check bone levels. Most children have these taken at routine checkups.

Periapical X-Rays

Shows the entire tooth from crown to root tip, including surrounding bone. Used to evaluate specific teeth for infection, abscess or developmental concerns.

Panoramic X-Rays

A single wide-view image of all teeth, jaws, sinuses and developing permanent teeth. Particularly useful for monitoring overall jaw development and identifying missing or impacted teeth.

Occlusal X-Rays

Captures the entire arch of teeth in a single image, showing tooth development in very young children or identifying teeth that have not yet erupted.

How Often Are Dental X-Rays Needed?

Lower Cavity Risk

Every 12 to 24 Months

Bitewing X-rays for children with excellent oral health and no recent cavities.

Higher Cavity Risk

Every 6 to 12 Months

More frequent imaging for children with active cavities, high sugar intake or dry mouth.

Development

As Needed

Panoramic X-rays to track jaw growth and permanent tooth eruption at key stages.

Specific Concerns

On Indication

Targeted imaging for trauma, dental pain or a specific area of clinical concern.

What Pediatric Dental X-Rays Can Detect

Interproximal Cavities

Cavities that form between teeth where no instrument or eye can reach — often the most common and overlooked source of decay in children. X-rays catch these before they become large enough to cause pain or require more extensive treatment. Finding them early often means a simpler tooth-colored dental filling.

Eruption Patterns and Development

Whether permanent teeth are developing on track, in the right position, or at risk of becoming impacted or crowded as baby teeth are lost. Early detection gives Dr. Savage time to intervene before problems compound. For children who need extensive treatment once a problem is found, sedation options are available to keep the experience comfortable.

Infections, Bone Loss, and Missing Teeth

Infections or abscesses at the root tip, changes in bone density, congenitally missing permanent teeth, and supernumerary (extra) teeth — none of which are visible during a standard visual exam. X-rays are the only way to reliably identify these issues in children.

How Often Does My Child Need Dental X-Rays?

There is no single fixed schedule. Dr. Savage determines frequency based on your child’s individual cavity risk, age, oral development, and health history, not a one-size-fits-all protocol. Children at lower risk typically need bitewing X-rays every 12 to 24 months. Children at higher risk may need them every 6 to 12 months. Because Dr. Savage is the only dentist at the practice and sees your child at every visit, he makes well-informed decisions about when imaging is genuinely warranted and when it is not. Our practice also uses a digital intraoral scanner for impressions, eliminating traditional messy trays entirely.

Meet Dr. Matthew Savage

Dr. Matthew Savage brings extensive experience in pediatric dentistry to Main Street Pediatric Dentistry Of Belmont. Board-certified and passionate about children's oral health, Dr. Savage believes in building trust with young patients through gentle care and clear communication with both children and parents.

Contact Main Street Pediatric Dentistry Of Belmont

Ready to schedule your child's appointment? Our friendly team is here to answer questions and help you get started with exceptional pediatric dental care.

Pediatric Dental X-Ray FAQs

Are dental X-rays safe for children?

Yes. Modern digital X-rays use up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays. Main Street Pediatric Dentistry of Belmont follows the ALARA principle and protects every child with a lead apron and thyroid collar. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry considers digital X-rays safe and essential for comprehensive pediatric dental care.

How often should my child have dental X-rays?

It depends on your child’s individual cavity risk and oral health history, not a fixed calendar. Children at lower risk typically need bitewing X-rays every 12 to 24 months. Children at higher risk may need them every 6 to 12 months. Dr. Savage makes this determination at each visit based on your child’s specific circumstances.

What can dental X-rays detect that a visual exam cannot?

X-rays reveal cavities between teeth, infections or abscesses at the root tip, bone loss, permanent teeth developing in the wrong position, missing or extra teeth, and jaw development concerns. None of these are visible during a standard visual examination.

My child had X-rays at their last dentist. Do they need them again?

Dr. Savage is happy to review recent X-rays from another provider before recommending new imaging. If recent X-rays are available and clinically adequate, there may be no need to repeat them. Bring any records from your child’s previous dental office and our team will review them at the appointment.

Visit Main Street Pediatric Dentistry of Belmont Today

Office Hours:

Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

Saturday: By Appointment Only 

Sunday: Closed

Contact Main Street Pediatric Dentistry Of Belmont

To schedule your child's appointment, call us at (980) 990-2878 or complete our online contact form below.

Your child’s dental health starts with finding the right pediatric dentist. Main Street Pediatric Dentistry of Belmont is accepting new patients from Belmont, Cramerton, Gastonia, Mount Holly, and the surrounding communities

Give your child the gift of a lifetime of healthy smiles. Contact Main Street Pediatric Dentistry Of Belmont today to schedule their next appointment and experience the difference specialized pediatric dental care can make.

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