Some of the most common problems in a child’s mouth cannot be seen by looking. Digital X-rays let us check between touching teeth, below the gumline, and inside the developing jaw — using modern low-radiation equipment, and only when there is a clinical reason to look.
Digital dental X-rays use a small fraction of the radiation older film systems required, and a lead apron with thyroid collar is used every time. They are taken only when there is a clinical reason, not routinely at every visit. Low-risk children may go 18 to 24 months between images.
Cavities between two touching teeth are invisible during a visual exam — there is simply no line of sight. By the time such a cavity becomes visible or painful, it is usually much larger. A digital image shows it while it is still small enough for a simple filling, which is the whole point of preventive care.
Under every baby tooth is a permanent tooth waiting its turn. Imaging lets us confirm they are present, correctly positioned, and erupting in sequence. It also shows when a permanent tooth is missing altogether, which is more common than parents expect and much easier to plan for when known early.
Knowing the true depth of a cavity changes the recommendation — a filling, a crown, or pulp therapy are very different conversations. Clear images mean we suggest the least invasive option that will actually work, rather than guessing. This matters most in restorative treatment.
Before any conversation about braces, we need to see crowding, tooth angulation, and how the jaw is developing. Imaging also shows whether early tooth loss has caused drifting, which is when a space maintainer may be needed.
Higher radiation dose · film must be chemically processed · results take time · images cannot be enlarged or adjusted · chemical waste from developing · retakes mean repeating the exposure
Substantially lower radiation dose · images appear on screen in seconds · can be enlarged and contrast-adjusted for a clearer diagnosis · no chemical processing · easy to store and share with specialists · shorter time in the chair
Digital sensors need far less radiation than the film systems they replaced — manufacturers commonly cite reductions in the range of 80 to 90 percent, though the exact figure depends on the system and the type of image being taken. In practical terms, a set of digital bitewings exposes your child to a very small fraction of the background radiation they receive naturally each year. We are also selective about when images are taken at all, which reduces exposure further than any equipment choice can.
Not at every visit, and not on a fixed schedule. These are the situations where an image genuinely changes what we can see or recommend.
Rarely needed at a first visit. If your child’s teeth are spaced apart, a visual exam is usually enough. See what happens at a first visit.
Once back teeth touch, decay can hide between them. Bitewing images are then taken periodically based on your child’s cavity risk, as part of routine exams.
Pain without a visible cause usually means something below the surface — decay reaching the nerve, an abscess, or a crack. Imaging shows which.
A panoramic image shows all the teeth, including ones still forming, plus jaw position. Standard before any braces discussion.
After a fall or sports impact we check for root fractures and damage to the permanent tooth developing above. Often needed in an emergency visit.
If a tooth is late, imaging tells us whether it is present and simply slow, blocked by crowding, or absent altogether.
Meet Our Doctor
Dr. Kohan has over five years of experience creating healthy, confident smiles for children in Chino. His gentle, child-focused approach makes every visit positive and stress-free.
Yes. The dose from a digital pediatric X-ray is very small, and we use a lead apron with a thyroid collar every time. The recognized risk of undiagnosed decay or infection is considerably greater than the risk from the image itself.
There is no fixed schedule. Children at low cavity risk may go 18 to 24 months between images, while children with a history of decay may need them closer to every 6 to 12 months. Dr. Kohan sets the interval per child.
No. If your child’s teeth are still spaced apart, a visual exam sees everything an image would. X-rays generally become useful once the back teeth touch.
Yes. Digital sensors require a fraction of the radiation older film systems needed, and a set of bitewings represents a very small amount compared with the background radiation everyone receives naturally each year.
Because where two teeth touch, there is no line of sight and no way to get a mirror between them. Decay commonly starts exactly there, and stays invisible until it is large.
No. Your child bites gently on a small sensor for a second or two. The most common complaint is that the sensor edge feels awkward, not that it hurts.
A couple of minutes. The image appears on the screen immediately, so there is no waiting for film to develop.
No, and they should not. Images are taken when there is a clinical reason, not as a routine part of every appointment.
Most PPO plans and Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal) cover diagnostic imaging at set intervals. Our front desk can verify your coverage before the visit.
Yes. Parents are welcome in the room. We will ask you to step slightly aside or wear an apron during the exposure itself, which takes a second.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Joshua Kohan, DMD — Say Cheese Kids Dental & Orthodontics, Chino, CA.
Last reviewed: 5 August 2026. This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an in-person examination.
Very clean office the staff was amazing. So many neat video games. I would refer Say Cheese Dental to my friends and family.
Priscilla marie VargasThe dentist was very kind and knowledgeable and polite! The staff took the time needed for my 3 boys to feel comfortable and relaxed. We will be here in the next 6.months for there followup and braces!
Brigette NavarroMe encanto el trato del personal todos incluyendo al doctor
Lurdes UrtisMuy amable todo el personal y atentos, respondieron todas mis dudas. Fue una buena opción venir aquí.
Monica MendozaThis was my first visit to Say Cheese Dental, and I was really impressed. The place is super clean, organized, and has a relaxing atmosphere. The staff is kind, patient, and very friendly — they made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. I’m happy I chose this office!
LOURDES HERRERAThe staff are Great and explain everything perfectly, they are willing to work on monthly payments with you and they are patiently with you 🙂 would recommend coming by and check them out 🙂
Ivette LopezGreat consultation! The staff was friendly, the orthodontist was knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything clearly. I felt comfortable and confident with the treatment plan. Highly recommend! I will definitely be back!
Natasha HarrisFirst time coming to this kids dental and we had a great experience. Everything was explained so well , will be coming back!
Karen RomeroWe loved it, all very friendly, very professional. The place is very nice, very cozy, tidy and clean, there is parking and easy to get to.
Paulina Maldonado
A first dental visit should not be a financial decision. We accept Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal) and most major PPO plans, and our front desk verifies your coverage before you come in, so you know what is covered ahead of the appointment.
12413 Central Ave, Chino, CA 91710
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Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday, closed
We are on Central Avenue in Chino, a short drive from most of the surrounding communities. Siblings can usually be booked back to back, which saves a second trip.
Accurate imaging means earlier diagnosis, less invasive treatment, and fewer surprises. Families from Chino, Chino Hills, Eastvale, and Ontario trust our team with their children’s care.
