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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Digital Dental X-Rays in Walsingham
Why does the dentist want X-rays, and how often? Walsingham patients can learn what different images show, how exposure is kept low and what to mention beforehand.
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Serving Walsingham households from our Port Dover office
See every dental service for WalsinghamSeeing below the surface
X-rays reveal what a visual exam cannot.
Many dental problems hide between teeth, under existing fillings, inside roots or in the bone. Digital X-rays allow the dentist to see these areas and catch decay, infection, bone loss and developing teeth that would otherwise go unnoticed. Images are captured with a sensor and appear on a screen within moments, making it easy to show and explain findings.
Walsingham patients who visit our Port Dover office may have X-rays recommended as part of an exam or to investigate a specific problem. The dentist decides which images are needed based on your history, symptoms and risk, rather than taking the same set for everyone at every visit.
Why they are taken
Each image answers a specific question.
Finding hidden decay and infection
Cavities often start between back teeth where they cannot be seen in the mirror. X-rays can show this decay, as well as problems beneath fillings and crowns. They also reveal infection at the tips of roots, cysts and changes in bone levels caused by gum disease. Finding these early often means simpler treatment.
Planning treatment and tracking change
Before procedures like root canals, extractions, implants or crowns, X-rays help the dentist plan safely. Over time, comparing images from different visits shows whether bone levels, decay or healing are changing. For children, X-rays help track developing teeth and spot problems with spacing or missing teeth.
Types of images
Different X-rays show different parts of the mouth.
Bitewing and periapical images
Bitewing X-rays show the crowns of upper and lower back teeth together and are commonly used to check for decay between teeth and bone levels. Periapical images show an entire tooth from crown to root tip, useful for investigating pain, infection or a cracked tooth. These small images focus on a limited area.
Panoramic and other views
A panoramic X-ray captures the whole mouth, jaws and sinuses in one image. It is often used to assess wisdom teeth, developing teeth in children, jaw joints and general bone health. Other specialized images may be recommended for implant planning or complex cases. The dentist will explain why a particular view is suggested.
Safety
Radiation is kept as low as reasonably possible.
Digital sensors and targeted images
Digital dental X-rays use low doses of radiation, and images are taken only when the dentist believes they will provide useful information. Protective measures, such as a thyroid collar, may be used. The frequency of X-rays depends on your individual risk, so patients with stable oral health may need them less often.
Tell the team about pregnancy
If you are or might be pregnant, let the team know before any X-rays are taken. Urgent dental needs may still require imaging, but routine X-rays can sometimes be postponed. Also mention if you have had recent dental X-rays elsewhere, as those images may be able to be shared rather than retaken.
The appointment
Taking X-rays is quick and usually painless.
Positioning the sensor
For small images, a sensor is placed in your mouth and held in position while a brief exposure is taken. Some people find the sensor a little uncomfortable or trigger a gag reflex. Breathing through your nose and letting the team know can help. Panoramic images are taken while you stand or sit still as a machine moves around your head.
Reviewing the images together
Digital images appear on screen right away. The dentist can enlarge them and point out areas of concern, such as a shadow that suggests decay or a change in bone. Ask questions if anything is unclear. Understanding what the X-ray shows can help you make decisions about any treatment suggested.
Planning your appointment
X-rays at your Port Dover visit
If you are coming from Walsingham for an exam, our Port Dover team may recommend X-rays based on your history and symptoms. Let them know when your last images were taken and where.
If you have recent X-rays from another dentist, ask about having them sent ahead. Mention pregnancy or any concerns before the 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
Questions about dental X-rays
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, decay risk, gum health and symptoms. Patients with low risk may need X-rays less often than those with ongoing problems.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Digital dental X-rays use low radiation doses, and images are taken only when they are expected to help with diagnosis or treatment. The dentist balances the benefits with the small exposure involved.
Can I refuse X-rays?
You can decline, but the dentist may not be able to diagnose some problems or provide certain treatments safely without them. They will explain what may be missed so you can make an informed choice.
Can my old X-rays be transferred?
Often, yes. With your consent, a previous dental office can send recent images. This may reduce the need to retake them, depending on how recent they are and what they show.
Do children need X-rays?
Children may need X-rays to check for decay between teeth or to see how adult teeth are developing. The dentist recommends them based on the child’s age and risk, not on a fixed routine.
Visits where X-rays often come up
General Dentistry →Dental Exams and Checkups →
Regular dental exams catch decay, gum disease and other changes early. Walsingham residents can see what a checkup includes and how often to plan one in Port Dover.
New Patient Dental Exams →
Switching dentists or starting fresh? Walsingham residents can see what a first exam at our Port Dover office covers, what records help and how the care plan is explained.