What an image can help show
These are common reasons a dentist might want more information than the eye provides.
- Decay hiding between neighbouring teeth.
- Permanent teeth developing beneath the gums.
- A closer look following an injury or pain.
Thinking about X-rays
Pediatric Dentistry for Scotia Heights Residents
It’s natural to pause when X-rays are suggested for a child. At our McPhillips Street clinic, the decision depends on your child’s age, risk and what the dentist needs to see.
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For parents who want to understand imaging
Children’s Dental X-rays: A Guide for Scotia Heights Families
A visual exam reveals a great deal, but it has limits. Surfaces between teeth are hard to see directly, and adult teeth still developing under the gums can’t be seen at all without an image.
That doesn’t make X-rays automatic. Scotia Heights is in Winnipeg, and children from there are seen at our McPhillips Street clinic, where imaging is suggested only when it’s considered necessary for your child. You’re welcome to ask why it’s being recommended.
Explore pediatric dentistry
Need comes first
X-rays are chosen according to what your child’s age and risk suggest, rather than by habit.
Ask away
What are you looking for? What would the image change? These are fair questions.
Mention earlier images
Your child may already have recent X-rays on file at another dental office.
The reasoning
What an X-ray can add to a child’s exam.
Children’s mouths keep changing, so an image sometimes answers a question that looking alone can’t. In other cases the dentist may have what they need without one.
What feeds into the call
The recommendation is individual, so two children of the same age may be advised differently.
- Your child’s age and stage of development.
- Previous cavities and overall cavity risk.
- Any symptoms, or concerns you’ve raised.
Have a question about how often images are taken or how exposure is managed? Put it to the dentist, who can speak to your child’s specific situation.
Along the way
Where X-rays may fit into your child’s visit.
Imaging comes up after the dentist has looked at your child and heard from you, and it is explained beforehand.
Request your visit- 01
Getting the background
We’ll ask about recent X-rays elsewhere, past dental work and anything bothering your child.
- 02
Looking first
A visual exam of the teeth, gums and development takes place, as your child’s comfort permits.
- 03
Explaining any suggestion
If an X-ray seems necessary, you’ll hear what it’s for and have a chance to ask about it.
- 04
Going over what comes next
Findings, prevention and home care get discussed, along with suitable timing for a return.
Ahead of the appointment
Think about what you’d like to know.
Write down your questions so they’re ready when imaging comes up. If your child is old enough to wonder, you might say the dentist sometimes takes a special picture of teeth, then leave the details to us.
If an X-ray is recommended and you’d like to know about coverage, ask the clinic. Amounts depend on your plan and the care provided.
Details that help us decide
- When and where your child’s last dental X-rays were taken.
- Any recent injury to the teeth or face.
- Gagging or trouble holding things in the mouth.
- Your specific concerns about imaging.
Our front counter beside a blue bench, and two blue abstract paintings in the waiting area.
For a child trying something new
A strange camera deserves an introduction.
Holding still for a picture can be a tall order for a young child, and having something in the mouth may feel odd. If your child has a strong gag reflex or struggled before, it’s helpful to say so.
Tell, then do
Your child hears what the equipment is for in straightforward words before it’s used.
It can wait
If your child isn’t ready for imaging on the day, ask what the alternatives might be.
Gagging is worth raising
It’s a common reaction, and mentioning it lets the team plan with it in mind.
When you’ve seen the results
Ask to have it explained.
If X-rays are taken, the useful part is understanding what they showed. Have the dentist tell you what was found and whether anything needs monitoring, treatment or simply routine prevention.
01
What was seen
Find out, in everyday language, what the image added to the examination.
02
When another may be needed
Future imaging depends on how your child’s teeth develop and how their risk changes.
03
How to protect teeth at home
Findings may point to brushing, flossing or diet changes you can start on straight away.
Thought of something else to ask after looking over what you were told? Call (204) 338-3003.
Talk with our team
Winnipeg North Dental
Unit-5 2358 Mcphillips Street, Winnipeg, MB R2V 4J6Get directions (opens in a new tab)Where imaging is discussed
Scotia Heights Parents, Bring Your Questions to McPhillips Street
Exams and any X-rays for your child happen at Winnipeg North Dental, Unit 5, 2358 McPhillips Street, Winnipeg. Scotia Heights families can use the directions link to plan the trip.
A request is not a confirmed time. The clinic replies to make arrangements, and it’s useful to mention any X-rays your child has had elsewhere.
Questions about coverage?
Talk with our team before your visit or learn about CDCP.
A little clarity before your visit
Your questions, answered.
Helpful details about pediatric dentistry in Scotia Heights.
Ask our teamHow does a Scotia Heights family request a child’s exam?
Our form on this page is one way, and a call to (204) 338-3003 is another. The clinic then contacts you about an appointment on McPhillips Street.
Is my child going to have X-rays at the first visit?
Not necessarily. Whether imaging is suggested depends on age, individual risk and what the dentist finds, and some early visits are mainly a look and a discussion.
Why can’t you see everything just by looking?
Some areas are hidden from direct view, including tight contacts between teeth and teeth that haven’t come in yet. An image may help when those areas are in question.
Can we use X-rays from our previous dentist?
Ask us about having them sent over. Knowing roughly when they were taken also helps the dentist judge whether anything new is necessary.
What if my child can’t manage an X-ray?
Tell us what happened or what you expect. The team can talk through what’s realistic that day, and your child’s readiness can be looked at again later.
My child hit a tooth and I’m worried about what’s underneath. What do I do?
Call promptly and explain the injury instead of sending a request. For serious facial injury, passing out, bleeding you can’t control or breathing trouble, go for emergency medical care first.
Where the findings could lead
Learn about care that may follow an exam.
If an image or examination raises something, these pages explain common next steps for children.
Check-ups & Cleanings
Book dental check-ups and cleanings in Winnipeg for preventive exams, tartar removal, gum monitoring and personalized home-care guidance.
Explore serviceDental Fillings
Restore cavities, chips and worn areas with tooth-coloured dental fillings in Winnipeg. Learn when repair is needed and what happens during treatment.
Explore serviceEmergency Dentistry
Contact Winnipeg North Dental for urgent help with tooth pain, swelling, broken or knocked-out teeth, lost restorations and dental injuries.
Explore serviceHave an urgent concern? Call (204) 338-3003 to discuss availability.
Want it explained first?
Ask about X-rays before you decide.
Send a request for your child, and the clinic will respond to arrange a time for the visit.