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Digital Dental X-Rays in La Salette
Digital X-rays show what an exam cannot, from decay between teeth to bone levels. La Salette patients can learn why images are taken and how often.
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See every dental service for La SaletteSeeing below the surface
X-rays reveal what the eye cannot see during an exam.
Many dental problems hide between teeth, beneath fillings, under the gums or inside the jawbone. Digital X-rays capture images of these areas, helping the dentist detect decay, infection, bone loss and developing teeth. The images appear on a screen within moments, so they can be reviewed with you during the visit.
When you come in from La Salette for an exam at our Port Dover office, the dentist decides whether X-rays are needed based on your history, symptoms and risk. Images are not taken automatically at every visit, and you are welcome to ask why they are being recommended.
Why X-rays help
Images add important information to the examination.
Detecting hidden decay and infection
Cavities that start between teeth or under existing fillings are often invisible during a visual exam. X-rays can show these areas, as well as signs of infection around root tips. Finding problems early often means smaller, simpler treatment and less chance of pain later on.
Checking bone, roots and development
X-rays help the dentist assess bone levels around teeth, which is important for monitoring gum disease. In children, they show developing adult teeth and help track growth. Before treatments like root canals, extractions or implants, images provide essential details about roots and surrounding structures.
Types of images
Different X-rays answer different questions.
Bitewings and periapical views
Bitewing X-rays show the crowns of upper and lower back teeth together and are commonly used to detect decay between teeth. Periapical X-rays show the whole tooth from crown to root tip, which helps when investigating pain, infection or injury to a particular tooth.
Panoramic images
Panoramic images capture a broad view of the jaws, teeth and surrounding structures in one picture. They can help assess wisdom teeth, jaw health and overall development. The dentist will explain which type is being taken and what information it is expected to provide.
Safety
Radiation exposure is considered carefully.
How exposure is kept low
Digital dental X-rays generally use low doses of radiation. The dentist takes images only when the information is expected to benefit your care, and protective measures may be used. If you have concerns, ask about the type of image, the reason it is needed and how often it is recommended.
Pregnancy and special considerations
Tell the team if you are pregnant or might be. In many cases, routine X-rays can be postponed, though images may still be taken if needed for urgent care. If you have had recent dental X-rays elsewhere, sharing them can sometimes reduce the need for new images.
Using the results
Ask to see your images and have them explained.
Reviewing images together
Digital images can be enlarged on screen, making it easier for the dentist to point out areas of concern. Ask questions about what you are seeing. Understanding the images can help you appreciate why a particular treatment is recommended or why monitoring is suggested instead.
Planning from what is found
X-rays are one part of the diagnostic picture, combined with the exam and your symptoms. The dentist uses them to plan treatment, compare changes over time and decide when the next images should be taken. Keep copies if you change dental offices in the future.
Planning your appointment
X-rays during your visit from La Salette.
X-rays are usually taken during exams at our Port Dover office when the dentist finds them useful. Let the team know about pregnancy or recent images taken elsewhere.
If you are transferring from another office, ask them to send recent X-rays ahead of your appointment.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Dental X-ray questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Digital dental X-rays typically involve low radiation doses. The dentist recommends them only when the information is expected to help your care. Ask about any concerns before images are taken.
How often do I need X-rays?
It depends on your oral health, risk of decay or gum disease and any symptoms. Some people need them more often than others. The dentist will recommend an interval based on your situation.
Can I refuse X-rays?
You can discuss your concerns and preferences. The dentist can explain what information would be missing without images and how it might affect diagnosis. Making an informed decision together is the goal.
Should I have X-rays if I am pregnant?
Tell the team if you are or might be pregnant. Routine X-rays are often postponed, though images may still be appropriate for urgent dental needs. The dentist will discuss the options.
Can my old X-rays be used?
Recent X-rays from another office may be useful. Ask your previous dentist to send them before your appointment. The dentist will decide whether additional images are still needed.
Where X-rays fit into your care
General Dentistry →Dental Exams and Checkups →
Routine dental exams catch small problems early. Here is what a checkup at our Port Dover office covers for La Salette patients and how often to return.
New Patient Dental Exams →
Joining a new dental office? La Salette residents can see what a first full exam in Port Dover covers, which records to bring and how a care plan is built.