Preventive and Family Care
Digital X-Rays and Panoramic Imaging
Digital imaging shows bone levels, decay between teeth, and the position of teeth that have not come through. Images appear on the screen beside you within seconds.
What it is
Digital sensors have replaced film. The image is captured and displayed almost immediately, which means we can review it with you while you are still in the chair.
A panoramic image captures both jaws in a single wide view. It is used for wisdom tooth assessment, implant planning, and orthodontic evaluation, where a small close up image would not show enough.
Imaging is taken at intervals appropriate to your history and risk. It is not an automatic add on at every visit.
Who it is for
- You are a new patient with no recent imaging.
- We need to check between teeth where an eye cannot see.
- You are being assessed for implants or orthodontics.
- Wisdom teeth are causing discomfort.
- We are monitoring a known problem over time.
What to expect
Deciding what is needed
We explain which images are being taken and why before anything is captured.
Capture
Small sensors sit inside the mouth, or the panoramic machine rotates around your head while you stand still.
On screen review
The image appears immediately and we go through it with you, pointing out what we are looking at.
Stored for comparison
Images are kept in your record so future ones can be compared side by side.
Questions we hear most
Digital sensors need far less exposure than older film systems. We also take only the images your situation calls for.
You can, and we will explain what that limits. Some conditions simply cannot be diagnosed without an image.
Yes, with your permission. Ask the front desk and we will forward them.
Nothing goes inside your mouth for it. You stand still while the arm rotates, and it is over quickly.
Talk it through with a dentist before you commit to anything.
Bring your questions to a consultation. We will explain what we see and what the options are, and nothing gets booked until you decide it should.