General Dentistry
Digital X-Rays
Crystal-clear images with up to 80% less radiation — so we can see everything traditional exams miss.
The human eye can only see so much. Digital X-rays let us look beneath the surface — detecting decay between teeth, evaluating bone levels, checking root integrity, spotting cysts, and tracking jaw development. Modern digital radiography does all of this with a fraction of the radiation of traditional film X-rays.
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What Digital X-Rays Reveal
Digital radiographs help us detect cavities between teeth (interproximal decay) that are completely invisible during a visual exam, bone loss associated with gum disease, infections at the root tips, impacted or erupting teeth, and early signs of cysts or tumours. Without X-rays, these conditions go undiagnosed until they become serious — and expensive.
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Types of X-Rays We Take
Bitewing X-rays show the crowns of your upper and lower back teeth and are the most common type taken at recall appointments. Periapical X-rays show the full length of individual teeth including the root and surrounding bone. Panoramic X-rays capture the entire mouth in a single image and are used for treatment planning, implants, and assessing wisdom teeth.
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Safety and Radiation
Digital X-rays emit up to 80% less radiation than traditional film. To put it in perspective, a full set of digital dental X-rays exposes you to less radiation than a short airplane flight. We also use lead aprons and thyroid collars as standard practice for every patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need X-rays?
For most adults, bitewing X-rays every 12–18 months and a panoramic every 3–5 years is appropriate. Children and higher-risk patients may need them more frequently.
Can I skip X-rays if I have no symptoms?
Most dental problems — including significant decay and early bone loss — have no symptoms until they're advanced. X-rays are the only reliable way to detect these early.
Are X-rays safe during pregnancy?
We recommend avoiding routine X-rays during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. If X-rays are clinically necessary, digital imaging minimises exposure and we use a lead apron and thyroid shield.