You pay at the time of your visit, and we’ll file your insurance claim for you — your insurance will reimburse you directly based on your plan’s coverage.
Our membership plans make it easy to prioritize your child’s oral health and overall wellness without the stress of insurance limitations or unexpected costs.
We’ll always provide detailed treatment estimates and work with you to find payment solutions that fit your family’s budget and healthcare goals.
When your child visits the dentist, one of the most important tools used to protect their oral health is something you may barely notice: digital X-rays. These images let us see what’s happening beneath the surface, from detecting cavities between teeth to evaluating how your child’s jaw and permanent teeth are developing. Deciding how and when to use X-rays is a decision that should always be made thoughtfully, with your child’s individual needs in mind.
At Wellness Pediatric Dentistry, we take that responsibility seriously. As San Antonio’s first holistic pediatric dental practice, we approach diagnostic imaging the same way we approach all care: with transparency, careful consideration, and a commitment to using only what is clinically necessary. Our preventive dentistry philosophy means we never order X-rays on a routine schedule just because it’s time. Instead, we evaluate each child individually and make recommendations based on their caries risk, developmental stage, and overall oral health picture.
Digital X-rays use phosphor storage plates (PSP plates) instead of traditional film to capture images of your child’s teeth and jaw. The plates are significantly thinner and more flexible than traditional sensors, making them far more comfortable for children during the process. Images are sent directly to a computer screen within about a minute, producing detailed, high-resolution pictures that help us identify issues that are invisible during a visual exam alone.
Compared to conventional film X-rays, digital technology uses significantly less radiation to produce the same quality image. The images can also be enlarged, adjusted, and compared side by side, which supports more accurate diagnosis and clearer conversations with you about what we’re seeing.
Digital X-rays allow us to detect a wide range of conditions that would otherwise go unnoticed until they become more serious. During your child’s cleaning and exam, we may use X-ray images to evaluate several key areas of development and health.
Here are some of the most common things digital X-rays help us identify:
Each of these findings can significantly affect your child’s long-term oral health, sleep, breathing, and overall development. Catching them early makes treatment simpler, less invasive, and far more effective.
We know radiation is a concern for many parents, and we think that’s a completely reasonable thing to ask about. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that the timing of X-rays be based on each child’s individual circumstances, not on a set age or interval, and emphasizes that every effort should be made to minimize exposure. We follow these guidelines closely and apply the ALARA principle, meaning we use radiation that is as low as diagnostically acceptable to get the information we need.
Digital X-rays produce a fraction of the radiation of older film-based systems, and we use them selectively rather than on a fixed schedule. We also believe parents have the right to know exactly what is being used in their child’s care and why. If we recommend X-rays during your visit, we will explain our clinical reasoning so you can make an informed decision alongside us.
Experience the difference that holistic pediatric care can make for your child. Our comprehensive approach combines gentle techniques with transparent communication to create positive dental experiences that last a lifetime. We’re here to partner with you in supporting your child’s overall health and development through expert oral care.
From fluoride-free alternatives to airway-focused orthodontics, we offer the choices and expertise your family deserves. Schedule your consultation today and discover how our unique approach can benefit your child’s health and wellness journey.
One area where digital X-rays offer particular value is in assessing airway development. Because most jaw growth happens before age six, early imaging can give us a clearer picture of whether your child’s palate, jaw, and airway are developing in a way that supports healthy breathing, sleep, and facial growth.
At your child’s new patient exam, we take time to review X-rays not just for cavities but for the broader developmental picture. If we notice signs of a narrow arch, airway concerns, or early crowding, we can recommend timely intervention through our airway-focused orthodontics program. Addressing these issues early, when the jaw is still actively growing, tends to produce better outcomes with less intervention over time.
Our holistic approach to preventive dentistry means we think about the whole child, not just the teeth. Digital X-rays fit naturally into this philosophy because they are a minimally invasive diagnostic tool that supports better decision-making with less guesswork. When we can see what is actually happening beneath the surface, we can make more precise treatment recommendations and often avoid more invasive procedures down the line.
If a cavity is caught early because of an X-ray, we may be able to treat it with a minimally invasive approach that preserves more of the natural tooth. If a developing bite issue is identified before a child loses all their baby teeth, we may be able to address it before it becomes a significant orthodontic or airway problem. This is the kind of early, informed intervention that we believe makes a real difference in your child’s long-term health.
Wellness Pediatric Dentistry is San Antonio’s first and only holistic pediatric dental practice, founded by Dr. Christi Wengler. Dr. Wengler brings a unique combination of credentials to every patient visit, including a Diplomate status with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences, Certified Lactation Counselor training, and advanced airway health education. Her background allows her to see dental health as part of your child’s overall wellness. We are out-of-network by choice, which allows us to use higher-quality, biocompatible materials and take the time needed to provide truly individualized care.
We also offer flexible restorative dentistry services if treatment is needed following diagnosis, along with membership plans and financing options through Cherry and CareCredit to help make care accessible. Whether your child is due for their first visit or you are seeking a second opinion on a diagnosis from another provider, we are here to partner with you. To schedule an appointment or ask a question, please reach out to us.
