dentist x-rays really necessary?

[MissE]

Soo, both my kids have an appointment at the pediatric dentist in early November. DS is 3.5 years old and has been twice so far. DD is 26 months old and has never been to the dentist. Both kids are going to get a cleaning and apparently an Xray. We don't have dental insurance and I"m afraid the xrays are going to be very expensive. My question is if it is really necessary to get their teeth xray-ed right now?

Both kids' teeth look good. They are straight, there are good gaps for permanent teeth to have enough room once they come in. I'm just thinking about opting out of the xrays until later.

Does that make sense or should I just go for it?

[herenow2]

I have opted out of x-rays for my almost 5 year old. I don't think it is necessary at all unless they are having a problem. Our insurance actually covers them but I try to avoid any unnecessary radiation. Both the pediatric dentists we have been to have been fine with this. I would definitely not pay for them unless it was totally necessary.

[tanyalynn]

I declined xrays for my 4.5yo recently, he just needed a cleaning, none of us had any specific concerns about his teeth. And at our office, the assistant offered to do them, but wasn't surprised when I declined--I think the simple logistics of keeping such a young child sitting still is tricky, and without a very specific concern, they didn't make xrays a recommendation so much as an option.

[MissE]

Thank you mamas. My plan is to opt out of the xrays for sure, even though my husband thinks it's necessary. I still have to talk him out of it .

[zebra15]

I opt out, however x-rays are sometimes useful in finding small cavities that can not be seen otherwise.

I usually had DS's x-rays done every 2 years when we had cr@appy insurance, now that he is on the state sponsored plan they pay for everything (go figure) so he gets regular cleanings every 6 mos and the xrays are included.

[NewSolarMomma]

usually, I would have the x-rays because that's the best way to find small cavities and other issues. however, your kids are young enough that it's probably fine to skip them this time, unless one is having problems.

Dentistry is so expensive, and even insurance isn't too helpful, but I get my teeth done in Mexico (I did this even before I moved here). it's cheap and still good quality. I also use to go to the Ohio State dental schools clinic, also a gouda option if you have no insurance. Dental schools do a good job, and are not scary. just a thought!

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Unless they are having issues we dont do the x ray. Just doing it because isnt a good enough reason.