X-Rays

X-Rays

Dental x-rays are often necessary when assessing your oral health as they provide a picture of areas the dentist cannot see. Most dentists recommend having bitewings (small intraoral x-rays of your back teeth) taken every two years during your oral examination to prevent any decay progressing unchecked.

Our surgery at Logan Village Dental is equipped with a digital x-ray machine. This means your x-ray image is on the computer screen within 5 seconds of exposure. Not only does this save time, but it also dramatically reduces the amount of radiation your mouth is exposed to when compared to a manual film. It is also possible to enlarge the digital x-rays on the computer screen, making it easier to point out and explain specific areas to give you a better understanding of your oral condition.

To ensure you get a full picture of everything that is going on inside your mouth, we have also equipped our surgery with intra-oral cameras.

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This allows your dentist to show you, via a roof mounted TV, a live video image of exactly what is happening inside your mouth. This is often used during an examination to explain clearly any problems that may be present, how best to prevent them from getting worse or the best treatment options for them.

Another type of x-ray you may be required to have taken is an OPG. This is an extra-oral x-ray that shows your upper and lower jaw, sinuses and jaw joint as a whole. It provides a good general picture of your teeth, their relative positions and angulations in the jaw and the basic shapes and angulations of their roots.

These are usually requested when treating wisdom teeth, having orthodontic treatment and for some extractions or oral surgery procedures. Your dentist may often ask you to have an OPG taken and still need to take ‘bite wings’ x-rays. This is because the OPG doesn’t show the fine detail such as small decay developing that a bitewing x-ray is searching for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need dental X-rays?
Dental X-rays help your dentist see areas that aren’t visible during a regular examination, such as between teeth and below the gum line. They are important for detecting decay, infections, bone loss and other issues early.
How often should I have dental X-rays?
Most patients have bitewing X-rays about every two years as part of their routine check-up. However, your dentist may recommend them more frequently depending on your oral health needs.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes, modern digital X-rays use very low levels of radiation and are considered safe for most patients. At Logan Village Dental, digital technology is used to further reduce exposure compared to traditional film X-rays.
What is the difference between a bitewing X-ray and an OPG?
Bitewing X-rays focus on the back teeth and help detect small areas of decay between teeth. An OPG is a full jaw X-ray that shows the upper and lower jaws, teeth positions, roots and surrounding structures.
When would I need an OPG X-ray?
An OPG is often used when assessing wisdom teeth, planning orthodontic treatment or preparing for extractions or oral surgery. It gives a broader view of your jaw and helps your dentist plan treatment more accurately.
How quickly are X-ray results available?
Digital X-rays are available almost immediately and can be viewed on screen within seconds. This allows your dentist to explain findings clearly during your appointment and discuss treatment options straight away.
Do dental X-rays hurt?
No, dental X-rays are quick and painless. You simply bite down on a small sensor while the image is taken, which only takes a few seconds.
Can children have dental X-rays?
Yes, children may need X-rays if your dentist needs to check for decay, monitor development or assess alignment. Your dentist will only recommend X-rays when they are clinically necessary.