Are digital X-rays safe?

Digital X-rays use substantially less radiation than traditional film X-rays, and the dose from a set of dental X-rays is very low. We take X-rays only when they are clinically indicated, and we follow the ALARA principle — As Low As Reasonably Achievable. Our team also uses protective lead aprons and thyroid collars as additional safety measures, particularly for children and pregnant patients.

How often do I need dental X-rays?

The frequency of dental X-rays depends on your individual oral health needs. For most patients, a set of bitewing X-rays is recommended once a year, and a full set of X-rays or a panoramic image is taken every three to five years. Patients with a higher risk of dental issues, such as those with a history of cavities or gum disease, may benefit from more frequent imaging. Your dentist will recommend a schedule that is appropriate for you.

Can pregnant women have dental X-rays?

While the radiation from digital dental X-rays is very low, we generally recommend postponing routine X-rays until after pregnancy as a precautionary measure. However, if a dental emergency arises during pregnancy, X-rays can be taken safely with appropriate shielding. Always inform our team if you are pregnant or suspect you may be, so we can adjust your care accordingly.

What can digital X-rays detect?

Digital X-rays can reveal a wide range of dental conditions that are not visible during a visual examination alone. These include cavities between teeth, bone loss associated with gum disease, infections or abscesses at the root of a tooth, impacted teeth, cysts or tumours, and developmental abnormalities in children. This detailed diagnostic information helps your dentist develop accurate and effective treatment plans.

Do digital X-rays cost more than traditional X-rays?

Digital X-rays are generally covered by dental insurance at the same rate as traditional film X-rays. From a patient perspective, the cost is typically comparable. The benefits of digital imaging — including reduced radiation, faster results, and improved diagnostic accuracy — make them a valuable component of modern dental care at both our Scarborough and Milton offices.

Digital X-Rays in Scarborough and Milton

Name: Orion Dental Milton
Address: 1225 Maple Avenue, Unit 100, Milton, ON, L9T 0A5, CA
Telephone: 905-636-9770
Price range: $$

What Are Digital Dental X-Rays?

Digital dental X-rays, also known as digital radiographs, are a modern form of dental imaging that uses electronic sensors instead of traditional photographic film to capture images of your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures. These images are displayed instantly on a computer screen, providing your dentist with clear, detailed views that support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

At Orion Dental, we use digital X-ray technology at both our Scarborough and Milton offices as a standard part of our diagnostic process. Digital radiography represents a significant advancement over traditional film-based X-rays, offering numerous benefits for both patients and practitioners.

Lower

Radiation dose than film

Instant

Image results

Higher

Resolution than film

Eco

No chemical processing

Radiation Safety at Orion Dental

Digital sensors need substantially less radiation than traditional film to produce a clear image, and the dose from dental X-rays is very low to begin with. We take X-rays only when they are clinically indicated, follow the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), and always use lead aprons and thyroid collars for extra protection.

What Are the Advantages of Digital X-Rays?

Digital X-ray technology offers several meaningful advantages over traditional film radiography. Understanding these benefits can help you appreciate why digital imaging has become an integral part of modern dental care.

Reduced Radiation Exposure

One of the most useful advantages of digital X-rays is the reduction in radiation exposure. Digital sensors need substantially less radiation than traditional film to produce a clear image. The radiation from traditional dental X-rays was already very low, and this further reduction is particularly welcome for patients who require frequent imaging, as well as for children, who are more sensitive to radiation.

Immediate Image Availability

Unlike traditional film X-rays, which require chemical processing in a darkroom, digital X-ray images appear on the computer screen within seconds of being captured. This immediate availability eliminates waiting time and allows your dentist to review your images with you during your appointment, facilitating more efficient consultations and quicker treatment decisions.

Enhanced Image Quality

Digital X-ray images can be enlarged, brightened, darkened, and enhanced using computer software, allowing your dentist to examine specific areas in greater detail. This capability can reveal subtle changes that might be difficult to detect on a traditional film X-ray. The ability to adjust contrast and magnification helps improve diagnostic accuracy without the need for additional X-rays.

Environmentally Responsible

Digital radiography eliminates the need for chemical processing solutions, film packets, and other materials associated with traditional X-rays. This reduces the environmental impact of dental imaging and aligns with our commitment to responsible dental practice.

Easy Storage and Sharing

Digital X-ray images are stored electronically in your patient file, making them easy to access, compare over time, and share securely with other dental professionals or insurance providers when needed. This digital storage also eliminates the risk of lost or damaged film.

What Can a Digital Dental X-Ray Show?

Digital X-rays allow your dentist to detect conditions that are completely invisible to the naked eye. Here is what they commonly uncover:

Cavities Between Teeth

Interproximal decay that forms in the contact areas between teeth — impossible to spot during a visual exam alone.

Bone Loss

Early and advanced bone loss associated with gum disease, helping guide periodontal treatment before damage becomes severe.

Infections at Root Tips

Periapical abscesses and infections at the root apex that cause pain and can spread if left untreated.

Impacted Teeth

Teeth that are blocked from erupting normally — most commonly wisdom teeth — allowing for proactive planning.

Cysts or Tumours

Abnormal growths in the jaw bone or soft tissues, including benign cysts and, rarely, early-stage oral tumours.

Developmental Issues

Missing adult teeth, extra teeth, or abnormal root formation in children and adolescents that benefits from early intervention.

What Types of Dental X-Ray Are There?

At Orion Dental, we use several types of digital X-rays depending on the diagnostic information needed. Your dentist will recommend the type of imaging that is most appropriate for your specific situation.

Bitewing X-Rays

Bitewing X-rays capture the upper and lower teeth in a specific area of the mouth, showing the crowns of the teeth and the bone level between them. They are the most commonly taken dental X-rays and are primarily used to detect cavities between teeth and to monitor bone density changes that may indicate gum disease.

Periapical X-Rays

Periapical X-rays show the entire tooth — from the crown to the tip of the root and the surrounding bone. They are particularly useful for diagnosing issues below the gum line, such as root infections, abscesses, cysts, and bone loss. These X-rays are often taken when a specific tooth is causing symptoms.

Panoramic X-Rays

A panoramic X-ray captures a broad view of the entire mouth in a single image, including all the teeth, the upper and lower jaws, the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), and the sinuses. This type of X-ray is useful for assessing overall oral health, evaluating wisdom teeth, planning orthodontic treatment, and detecting jaw abnormalities.

What Happens During a Dental X-Ray?

Having digital X-rays taken is a quick, comfortable process with no special preparation required. Here is what happens step by step:

Preparation and Shielding

Our team places a lead apron and thyroid collar over you before any imaging begins. This takes just a few seconds and provides an additional layer of protection for areas not being imaged.

Sensor Placement

A small, smooth digital sensor is positioned inside your mouth at the area of interest. It is similar in size to traditional film but has a gentle, rounded edge for comfort.

Image Capture

The X-ray is taken in a fraction of a second. You will not feel anything — there is no discomfort from the imaging process itself.

Instant Review

Your image appears on the chairside monitor within seconds. Your dentist will walk you through what they see in plain language, pointing out any areas of concern.

Treatment Planning

Based on your X-ray findings, your dentist will discuss any recommended treatments or confirm that everything looks healthy. All images are saved to your file for future comparison.

Ready to experience comfortable, low-radiation digital imaging? Book a checkup at our Scarborough or Milton office today.

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When Are Digital X-Rays Needed?

Digital X-rays play an important role in many aspects of dental care. Your dentist may recommend X-rays in the following situations:

During routine dental checkups to monitor for cavities, bone loss, and other changes
Before starting treatment for conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, or infection
When planning restorative procedures such as dental implants, crowns, or bridges
To evaluate the development and positioning of teeth in children and adolescents
When assessing wisdom teeth to determine whether extraction is necessary
To investigate the cause of dental pain, swelling, or other symptoms
Before and after root canal therapy to assess the health of the tooth and surrounding bone

How Much Radiation Does a Dental X-Ray Involve?

Patient safety is a priority at Orion Dental, and our use of digital X-ray technology reflects this commitment. In addition to the inherent radiation reduction offered by digital sensors, we follow the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) to minimise radiation exposure further. This means that we only take X-rays when there is a clear diagnostic benefit, and we use appropriate shielding, including lead aprons and thyroid collars, to protect areas of the body that are not being imaged.

For children, we take particular care to limit X-ray exposure and use paediatric-sized sensors and settings appropriate for their smaller anatomy. Our team will always explain why a particular X-ray is recommended and answer any questions you may have about the process.

Insurance Coverage for Digital X-Rays

Most dental insurance plans in Ontario cover digital X-rays at the same rate as traditional film X-rays. Bitewing X-rays taken at your annual checkup are typically included in standard preventive care coverage. We recommend checking with your insurer for specifics, and our front desk team is happy to help verify your benefits before your appointment.

Digital X-Rays and Your Dental Visit

Having digital X-rays taken is a quick and comfortable process. The digital sensor is placed inside your mouth, and the image is captured in just a fraction of a second. There is no discomfort involved, and the results are available immediately for your dentist to review. Your dentist will share the images with you on a chairside monitor and explain what they show, helping you understand your oral health status and any recommended treatments.

If you have been referred to Orion Dental by another dental professional, we can also accept digital X-rays taken at other offices, which can reduce the need for duplicate imaging. Similarly, if you need to be referred to another provider, we can easily share your digital images electronically.

Combining Digital X-Rays with Other Diagnostic Tools

Digital X-rays are often used alongside other modern diagnostic tools to provide the most comprehensive assessment possible. For example, intraoral cameras allow your dentist to capture high-resolution photographs of the visible surfaces of your teeth and gums, complementing the sub-surface views provided by X-rays. Together, these technologies give your dental team a complete picture of your oral health.

Experience Digital X-Rays at Orion Dental

At Orion Dental, we are committed to providing thorough, comfortable dental care using modern diagnostic tools. Digital X-rays are an important part of how we assess and monitor your oral health at both our Scarborough and Milton locations.

To schedule your next appointment, book an appointment online or call our Scarborough office at 416-291-0306 or our Milton office at 905-636-9770. We welcome patients of all ages and accept most major dental insurance plans.

Digital X-Rays