Digital Dental X-Rays in Woodbridge
Digital dental X-rays help us see areas beneath the surface of your teeth that we cannot check during a regular exam. At Woodbridge Smile Centre, we include X-rays in every new patient exam when your dental history and clinical needs call for them. These images help us find hidden cavities, check for bone changes, and detect signs of infection. We review the results with you and explain any problems that need attention.
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What Is a Digital Dental X-Ray?
A digital dental X-ray uses an electronic sensor instead of traditional film to capture images of your teeth. The sensor sends each image to a computer, where we view it on a screen within seconds. These images reveal areas that a visual exam cannot fully assess. They help us investigate dental pain and plan treatment more accurately.
Digital X-rays use less radiation than conventional film X-rays. We take only the images needed for your exam and select the appropriate type based on what we need to check.
Types of Dental X-Rays We Take
We choose the type of X-ray according to your dental history and the area we need to examine.
Bitewing X-Rays
Bitewing X-rays show the crowns of your upper and lower teeth in one area. We use them to find cavities between teeth and check the bone level near them. These images help us detect decay that is difficult to see during a regular exam.
Periapical X-Rays
Periapical X-rays show a tooth from its crown to the root tip, along with the surrounding bone. We use them to investigate tooth pain and look for infection near the root. These images also help us check a tooth after certain dental treatments.
What Digital X-Rays Help Your Dentist Find
Digital X-rays help us detect problems that often remain hidden during a visual exam, including:
- Cavities between teeth.
- Bone loss linked to gum disease.
- Infection near a tooth’s root tip.
- Impacted wisdom teeth.
- Changes beneath existing fillings.
- Abnormalities in a tooth’s root.
- Bone changes around dental implants.
Early detection helps us address dental problems before they cause more damage or require more complex treatment.
Dr. Aryan Rezaeifar has been licensed in Ontario since 2015 and trained in prosthodontics and restorative dentistry at the Schulich School of Dentistry, which is the side of dentistry that deals with how upper and lower teeth meet.
What to Expect During Your X-Ray Appointment
Sensor placement: We position a small digital sensor inside your mouth or prepare you for the appropriate imaging equipment.
Image capture: You hold still for a few seconds while we take each X-ray.
Image review: We display the images on a screen and explain any findings that need attention.
Record storage: We save your images to your dental file for future visits and treatment planning.
How X-Rays Work with Our Other Diagnostic Tools
Digital X-rays show structures beneath the surface, while an intraoral camera gives us a closer view of your teeth and gums. A dental scanner captures digital impressions for certain restorative procedures. We combine these tools when they provide useful information for your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Before dental implant treatment, we assess the available bone with appropriate imaging. X-rays also contribute to planning some CEREC crowns, bridges, and dental implants in Woodbridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do New Patients Always Need X-Rays?
No. We assess your need for X-rays at every new-patient exam. If your previous X-rays provide enough information, we review those images before recommending new ones.
Can You Get My X-Rays From My Previous Dentist?
Yes. With your permission, we request your previous X-rays from your former dentist. You need to provide the clinic’s contact details and the approximate date of your last images. We review them to determine whether they provide enough information for your current exam.
Can I Get a Copy of My Dental X-Rays?
Yes. Request a copy from our clinic. We provide your images in a suitable digital format or arrange a transfer to another dental office.
Why Do I Need X-Rays If Nothing Hurts?
Cavities and bone loss often develop without pain in their early stages. Some dental infections also remain unnoticed until the problem progresses. X-rays help us identify these issues before symptoms appear, allowing us to recommend treatment based on the findings.
Can I Decline Dental X-Rays?
Yes. You have the right to decline dental X-rays. However, we explain why we recommend imaging and how it supports your diagnosis. Without necessary images, we have less information to assess certain problems.
Are Dental X-Rays Covered by Insurance or CDCP?
Coverage depends on your insurance plan and the type of imaging you need. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers eligible dental X-rays subject to its rules and frequency limits. Woodbridge Smile Centre offers direct billing to many insurance providers, including CDCP. We check your available benefits before treatment.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Digital dental X-rays use a low dose of radiation. They generally require less radiation than conventional film X-rays. We take images only when they serve a clinical purpose and follow radiation safety procedures to limit unnecessary exposure.
Are X-Rays Safe During Pregnancy?
You should tell your dentist if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant before your appointment. We postpone routine imaging if possible. If an X-ray is necessary to diagnose an urgent problem, your dentist weighs the benefits against the risks and follows current radiation safety guidance.