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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Digital Dental X-Rays in Nanticoke
Dental X-rays show decay between teeth, bone levels and roots. Learn when Nanticoke patients may need images and how they are used at our Port Dover office.
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Caring for Nanticoke patients at our Port Dover office
Browse every service for Nanticoke patientsSeeing below the surface
X-rays reveal what an exam alone can miss.
Much of what matters in dental health is hidden: decay between teeth, infection at a root tip, bone loss from gum disease, impacted wisdom teeth and the condition under old fillings. Dental X-rays let the dentist see these areas. Digital images appear on a screen quickly, can be enlarged for discussion and are easy to compare with previous records.
When people from Nanticoke visit our Port Dover office, the dentist recommends X-rays based on individual need rather than a fixed routine. You are welcome to ask why images are suggested, what they will show and how they guide your care.
Why they are taken
Each X-ray should have a clinical reason.
Finding hidden problems
Bitewing X-rays show the back teeth from crown to bone and are commonly used to find cavities between teeth and check bone levels. Periapical images show the whole tooth including the root tip, which helps diagnose infections and abscesses. A panoramic image captures the jaws and all teeth at once and is often used to assess wisdom teeth or plan broader treatment.
Planning treatment
X-rays also help plan treatment such as root canals, extractions, implants and orthodontic care. They provide a baseline for monitoring changes over time. Ask which type of X-ray is recommended for you and what the dentist is looking for, so you understand how the images will inform any decisions about your care.
Safety
Dental X-rays use low doses, taken only when needed.
Keeping exposure low
Digital dental X-rays generally involve low radiation doses, and the principle is to take only the images that are clinically justified. The frequency depends on your age, oral health and risk of disease. Protective measures may be used depending on the type of image. If you have concerns, ask the dentist to explain the reasoning behind the recommendation.
Special circumstances
Tell the team if you are pregnant or might be, so the dentist can consider whether X-rays can be postponed or whether they are needed for urgent care. Mention recent X-rays taken elsewhere, since sharing them can avoid duplication. For children, images are tailored to their age, development and individual risk.
During the image
Taking an X-ray usually takes just moments.
Positioning the sensor
For intraoral X-rays, a small sensor is placed in your mouth and you may be asked to bite gently on a holder. The X-ray unit is positioned next to your cheek, and the image is captured in a fraction of a second. For a panoramic image, you stand or sit still while the machine rotates around your head.
Comfort tips
If you have a strong gag reflex, small mouth or sensitive areas, let the team know. Breathing slowly through your nose, focusing on something else or adjusting the sensor position can help. The team can explain each step and work at a pace that feels manageable, taking breaks between images if needed.
Reviewing results
Ask to see your X-rays and have them explained.
Seeing the findings
Digital images can be shown on a screen and enlarged, making it easier for the dentist to point out decay, bone changes or other findings. Ask questions about what you are seeing. Understanding the images can help you make sense of recommendations and feel more confident about decisions regarding your treatment and its timing.
Records and sharing
Your X-rays become part of your dental record. If you are referred to a specialist or move to another practice, images can usually be shared with your consent. Keeping track of when your last X-rays were taken helps avoid unnecessary repeats and gives future providers a useful history for comparison.
Planning your appointment
X-rays at your Port Dover visit
If you are coming from Nanticoke and have had X-rays at another office recently, ask for them to be sent to our Port Dover practice ahead of time. The dentist can then decide whether new images are needed.
Let the team know if you are pregnant, have a strong gag reflex or have concerns about radiation before images are taken.
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.
How often do I need dental X-rays?
There is no single schedule for everyone. The dentist considers your age, oral health, risk of decay and gum disease, and any symptoms. Some people need images more often, while others with stable mouths may need them less frequently.
Are digital X-rays safe?
Dental X-rays generally use low radiation doses, and images are taken only when there is a clinical reason. If you have specific concerns, ask the dentist to explain why the images are recommended and what precautions are used.
Can I have X-rays while pregnant?
Let the team know if you are or might be pregnant. The dentist will consider whether images can be postponed or whether they are necessary for urgent care. Decisions are made with your safety and needs in mind.
Can my previous dentist send my X-rays?
Usually yes, with your consent. Ask your previous office to send recent images to the practice before your appointment. This can reduce the need for repeat X-rays and give the dentist useful information for comparison.
Why can’t the dentist see everything without X-rays?
Many problems develop between teeth, under fillings, at root tips or in the bone, where they cannot be seen during a visual exam. X-rays help find these early, when treatment is often simpler and less invasive.
Visits where X-rays are often used
General Dentistry →Dental Exams and Checkups →
A regular dental exam catches small problems before they grow. See what a checkup covers for Nanticoke residents visiting our Port Dover family practice.
New Patient Dental Exams →
Switching dentists or starting fresh? Nanticoke residents can see what a first exam at our Port Dover office covers, from records to a personalized care plan.