X-rays are part of most dental visits, and for good reason. But we also know a lot of folks have questions about them — especially about radiation. Here's what to know.
Why we need X-rays
A lot of what goes on in your mouth happens below the surface. Decay between teeth, problems with roots, bone loss, the development of adult teeth in kids — none of that is visible when we look in your mouth. X-rays let us see it.
How digital X-rays work
Digital X-rays use the same kind of X-ray machine as traditional ones, but instead of film, we use a small electronic sensor that goes in your mouth and captures the image on a computer. It's faster, sharper, and the image comes up on a screen right away.
Are they safe?
Yes. Dental X-ray exams use very low levels of radiation — the risk of harm is extremely small. We also only take X-rays when we actually need them, following the American Dental Association's guidelines.
Our system: Schick
The specific digital X-ray system we use is Schick — one of the most trusted names in dental imaging. Schick gives us the accurate images we need to diagnose and treat you properly, with up to 90% less radiation than traditional film-based X-rays. That's a meaningful difference, especially over a lifetime of dental visits.
A digital image actually gives us more diagnostic power than film ever did. We can magnify it up to 300 times to examine fine detail, adjust the contrast, and even color-adjust to reveal problems that might otherwise be hidden. The result: we catch more, earlier, with more confidence.
Have a question?
Ask. Always. We'd rather you leave with answers than wonder about anything. Anyone on our team is happy to walk you through what we're doing and why. You can also see more about our digital X-ray service or our broader technology overview.