Digital radiography
Digital dental X-rays that show what an examination alone cannot — with a lower radiation dose than film and images on screen immediately.
- Typical appointment
- A few minutes
What it is
Digital radiography captures dental X-ray images on a sensor rather than film. The image appears on screen within seconds and can be enlarged and adjusted.
Why X-rays are taken at all
A visual examination shows the surfaces the dentist can see. A great deal happens where they cannot:
- Decay starting between two teeth, where they touch
- Decay underneath an existing filling
- Bone loss from gum disease
- Infection at the tip of a root
- Unerupted or impacted teeth, including wisdom teeth
- The position of nerves and sinuses before extraction or implant placement
The advantages over film
Lower radiation dose. Digital sensors need considerably less exposure than film to produce a usable image.
Immediate. No processing, so the image is on screen while you are still in the chair — which means you can see what the dentist is describing rather than taking it on trust.
Adjustable. Contrast and magnification can be changed to examine a specific area without another exposure.
Comparable over time. Stored images sit alongside earlier ones, so slow changes are easier to spot.
Is it safe?
The dose from a dental X-ray is small. Radiographs are taken only when there is a clinical reason — not routinely at every visit — and a lead apron and thyroid collar are used where appropriate.
Tell the dentist if you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Non-urgent radiographs are normally deferred.