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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Digital Dental X-Rays in Selkirk
X-rays show decay between teeth, bone levels and problems below the gums. Selkirk patients can learn when images are suggested at our Port Dover office.
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Serving patients from Selkirk at our Port Dover office
See every service for Selkirk patientsSeeing below the surface
X-rays reveal what an exam alone cannot.
Dental X-rays let the dentist see areas hidden from view: between teeth, beneath the gums, inside the jawbone and around the roots. They help detect decay, infection, bone loss, impacted teeth and problems with existing restorations. Digital X-rays produce images that can be viewed quickly and enlarged to examine details closely.
For patients who drive in from Selkirk, having images taken during an exam at our Port Dover office can help the dentist reach a diagnosis without a separate trip. The dentist recommends X-rays based on your history, symptoms and risk, and will explain why a particular image is being suggested.
Why they are used
Images support diagnosis and decision-making.
Finding hidden problems
Cavities between back teeth, decay under fillings, abscesses at root tips and bone loss from gum disease are often invisible during a visual exam. X-rays help detect these problems earlier. They can also reveal cysts, impacted teeth and developmental issues in children. Catching problems early often means simpler treatment and fewer surprises later.
Planning treatment
Before treatments such as root canals, extractions, implants and crowns, X-rays help the dentist understand root shape, bone levels and nearby structures. They also provide a baseline for comparison at future visits. The dentist will explain how the images inform the recommended treatment and what they show about your teeth.
Types of images
Different views answer different questions.
Bitewing and periapical views
Bitewing X-rays show the crowns of upper and lower back teeth and are commonly used to check for decay between teeth and bone levels. Periapical X-rays show the whole tooth from crown to root tip and are useful for investigating pain, infection or root problems. The dentist chooses the view that fits the clinical question.
Panoramic and other images
A panoramic X-ray captures the entire mouth, including jaws, sinuses and developing teeth, in one image. It may be suggested for assessing wisdom teeth, orthodontic planning or a broad overview. Other imaging, such as 3D scans, may be recommended for specific purposes like implant planning, possibly through a referral.
Safety
X-rays are taken when the benefit justifies them.
Keeping exposure low
Dental X-rays involve low levels of radiation, and digital systems can help keep exposure low. Dentists follow guidelines to take images only when they are expected to provide useful information. Protective measures may be used. If you have concerns about radiation, ask the dentist to explain the reason for the image and how often it is recommended.
Telling the team about pregnancy
If you are pregnant or think you might be, tell the dental team before any X-rays. Imaging may be postponed if it is not urgent, or precautions may be taken if it is needed for diagnosis or treatment. The dentist will discuss the options with you so that care decisions are made with full information.
Records and frequency
Frequency depends on your individual situation.
How often images are needed
There is no single schedule for everyone. Someone with frequent cavities or gum disease may need X-rays more often than someone with a low risk. Children may need images to monitor developing teeth. The dentist will recommend an interval based on your history and explain if a new symptom warrants additional imaging.
Sharing records between offices
If you have recent X-rays from another dentist, ask that office to send them before your visit. This may avoid repeating images unnecessarily, depending on their quality and date. Similarly, if you need a referral to a specialist, your images can often be shared to help with their assessment and planning.
Planning your appointment
X-rays during your visit from Selkirk.
When booking at our Port Dover office, mention any symptoms so the dentist can decide whether images may be needed. If you have recent X-rays elsewhere, arrange for them to be sent ahead.
Tell the team if you are pregnant, may be pregnant or have concerns about radiation, so the plan can be discussed with you first.
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?
Dental X-rays involve low levels of radiation, and digital imaging helps keep exposure low. Images are taken when the benefit to diagnosis is expected to outweigh the small risk. Ask the dentist to explain the reasoning if you have specific concerns.
How often do I need dental X-rays?
It depends on your oral health, history and risk of problems such as decay or gum disease. Some people need images more often than others. The dentist will recommend an interval and explain why a particular image is being suggested.
Can I have X-rays while pregnant?
Tell the team if you are pregnant or might be before any images are taken. Non-urgent X-rays may be postponed, while precautions can be used when imaging is needed for diagnosis or treatment. The dentist will discuss the options with you.
Can I bring X-rays from my previous dentist?
Yes. Ask your previous office to send recent images before your appointment. Depending on their date, type and quality, they may reduce the need for new X-rays, though the dentist may still suggest updated views for a specific concern.
Why does the dentist need X-rays if nothing hurts?
Many problems, such as decay between teeth, infection at a root tip or bone loss from gum disease, cause no symptoms early on. X-rays help detect them before they become painful or need more involved treatment, which is often simpler for you.
Where X-rays fit into care
General Dentistry →Dental Exams and Checkups →
Regular dental checkups help catch decay, gum disease and other changes early. Selkirk residents can book routine exams at our Port Dover dental office.
New Patient Dental Exams →
Starting with a new dentist? Selkirk residents can learn what a new patient exam covers and how to prepare for a first visit at our Port Dover practice.