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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Digital Dental X-Rays in Nixon
X-rays show what an exam cannot, from decay between teeth to bone levels. Nixon patients can learn why images are taken, how often and what to ask beforehand.
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Serving patients from Nixon and the surrounding countryside at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for NixonSeeing beneath the surface
X-rays reveal what a visual exam cannot.
Many dental problems hide where the eye cannot reach: between teeth, under fillings, at the roots and in the bone. Dental X-rays help the dentist find decay early, assess gum disease, check developing teeth and plan treatment. Digital images can be viewed on screen during the visit, which makes it easier to explain findings to you.
Nixon patients having an exam at our Port Dover office may be advised to have X-rays when they would add useful information. The dentist decides which images are appropriate based on your history, symptoms and risk, rather than taking the same set for everyone at every visit.
Why images are taken
Each X-ray should answer a specific question.
What X-rays can show
Bitewing images show the back teeth and help detect decay between them. Periapical images show entire teeth, including roots and surrounding bone, which helps diagnose infections and abscesses. Larger views may be used to assess wisdom teeth, jaw structures or planning for implants. The dentist will explain which type is suggested and what they hope to learn from it.
When they are recommended
X-rays are typically recommended based on your age, decay risk, gum health, symptoms and whether you are a new patient. Someone with frequent cavities may need images more often than someone with very low risk. If you are in pain or have had an injury, an X-ray may be needed to see what is happening beneath the surface.
Safety
Images are taken only when they add value.
Understanding the dose
Dental X-rays use low levels of radiation, and digital systems generally require less exposure than older film methods. The dentist follows the principle of using only the images needed for diagnosis. If you have concerns about radiation, ask how the recommended images will help your care. A clear explanation should help you make an informed choice.
Pregnancy and special considerations
Tell the team if you are pregnant or think you might be. In many cases, non-urgent X-rays can be postponed, while urgent images may still be taken with appropriate precautions. Let the team know about any previous imaging from other offices, as sharing recent X-rays may avoid the need to repeat them at your visit.
During imaging
Taking an X-ray usually takes only moments.
Positioning the sensor
A small sensor is placed in your mouth, and you may be asked to bite gently on a holder to keep it steady. The team steps away briefly while the image is taken. The process is quick, and images appear on screen within moments. If an image is unclear, it may need to be retaken, though the team aims to get it right the first time.
Making it more comfortable
Some people find sensors uncomfortable or trigger a gag reflex. Let the team know in advance so they can adjust positioning, use smaller sensors where possible or suggest breathing techniques. Breathing slowly through your nose often helps. For children, the team can explain each step and use simple language to keep them at ease throughout.
Reviewing results
You can see and ask about your own images.
Discussing what the images show
The dentist will review the images and point out anything of concern, such as dark areas suggesting decay, changes in bone height or signs of infection. Ask to see the images and have the findings explained. Understanding what the X-ray shows makes treatment recommendations easier to follow and gives you a clearer picture of your oral health.
Keeping records
Digital X-rays become part of your dental record, which allows the dentist to compare images over time and track changes. If you need care elsewhere or a second opinion, ask how images can be shared. Keeping records together helps future dentists see your history without repeating imaging unnecessarily. It also makes slow changes, such as gradual bone loss, much easier to notice.
Planning your appointment
Images taken as part of your visit from Nixon.
X-rays are usually taken during exams or problem-focused appointments at our Port Dover office. Mention any concerns about imaging, pregnancy or previous X-rays when you book so the team can plan accordingly.
If you have had dental X-rays taken elsewhere recently, ask that office to send them ahead to avoid unnecessary repeat imaging.
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
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. Frequency depends on your age, decay risk, gum health and symptoms. The dentist will recommend imaging only when it is likely to provide information that will help guide your care.
Are digital dental X-rays safe?
Dental X-rays use low radiation doses, and digital systems often require less than older film. The dentist recommends images only when they are useful for diagnosis. If you have specific concerns, discuss them before any images are taken.
Can I have X-rays while pregnant?
Tell the team if you are pregnant or may be. Routine X-rays are often postponed, while images needed for urgent care may be taken with appropriate precautions. The dentist will discuss the options with you before proceeding.
Why can’t the dentist just look at my teeth?
Many problems, including decay between teeth, infections at the root tips and bone loss, cannot be seen during a visual exam. X-rays help reveal these issues early, when treatment is often simpler. Images and the exam work together.
Can my X-rays be sent to another dentist?
Ask the office about transferring images. Sharing records can help another dentist or specialist review your history without repeating images. You may be asked to provide written consent before records are sent, to protect your privacy.
Exams that use dental imaging
General Dentistry →Dental Exams and Checkups →
A routine checkup looks at teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues. Nixon residents can learn what is examined, when X-rays are used and how often to come back.
New Patient Dental Exams →
New to our practice? Nixon residents can see what a first exam covers, which records help and how the dentist builds a clear picture of your oral health.