Digital X-Rays

See More, Treat Better

At Long Lake Family Dentistry, we use state-of-the-art digital radiography to get the clearest possible picture of your oral health. Unlike traditional X-ray film, digital sensors capture images instantly, display them on a screen within seconds, and expose you to up to 90% less radiation — making them a safer and far more efficient diagnostic tool for patients of all ages.

📡 Why Digital Makes a Difference

Digital X-rays allow us to zoom in, enhance contrast, and measure structures with precision that film simply cannot match. We can detect cavities between teeth, bone loss around roots, infections, impacted teeth, and structural issues that are invisible to the naked eye — often years before they would become visible or symptomatic. Early detection means simpler, less invasive, and less costly treatment.

Digital dental X-ray technology at Long Lake Family Dentistry

Our digital X-ray system delivers high-resolution images instantly — with a fraction of the radiation of traditional film.

Digital X-rays are a standard part of your comprehensive dental exam and allow us to monitor your oral health over time. Images are stored securely in your patient record and can be compared side-by-side at future visits so we can track even subtle changes in your bone levels, tooth structure, and tissue health. If you're ever referred to a specialist, images can be transferred electronically in moments.

Types of Digital X-Rays We Use

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Bitewing X-Rays

The most common type, taken during routine checkups. They show the upper and lower back teeth side-by-side and are excellent for detecting cavities between teeth, checking the fit of crowns, and monitoring bone levels between teeth.

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Periapical X-Rays

Show the entire tooth from crown to root tip, including the surrounding bone. Used to examine teeth with symptoms, evaluate root canal treatment, or assess infection and bone loss around specific teeth.

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Panoramic X-Rays

A single wide image that captures all your teeth, jaws, sinuses, and jaw joints in one shot. Ideal for evaluating wisdom teeth, planning implants, assessing jaw health, and getting a full overview of your oral anatomy.

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Full-Mouth Series

A complete set of 14–21 images covering every tooth and its supporting structures. Typically taken for new patients or those who haven't had X-rays in several years to establish a full baseline of oral health.

What Digital X-Rays Can Detect

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Cavities between teeth and under existing restorations

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Early bone loss from gum disease or infection

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Abscesses, cysts, and tumours in the jaw

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Impacted or developing wisdom teeth

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Fit and integrity of crowns, bridges, and implants

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Root length and canal anatomy for treatment planning

What to Expect During Your X-Rays

Positioning

You'll be seated comfortably and a small digital sensor (slightly larger than a traditional film packet) will be placed in your mouth. A lead apron may be placed over your chest as an added precaution.

Quick Capture

Each image takes just a second to capture. Depending on the type of X-ray, the full series takes 5–15 minutes total. There's no development time — images appear on our monitor immediately.

Instant Review

We review your images with you on-screen right away. We can zoom in, adjust contrast, and point out areas of concern in real time so you understand exactly what we're seeing.

Diagnosis & Planning

Based on the images and your clinical exam, we'll discuss any findings and recommend a personalized treatment plan — or confirm that everything looks healthy and schedule your next routine visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dental X-rays safe? +

Yes. Digital X-rays use up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays, and the radiation exposure from a full set of dental X-rays is less than what you'd receive from a short airplane flight or a day spent outdoors. We follow ALARA principles (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) and only take X-rays when clinically indicated.

How often do I need dental X-rays? +

It depends on your individual risk level. Most adults with good oral health need bitewing X-rays once a year and a full-mouth series every 3–5 years. Patients with a history of cavities, gum disease, or other concerns may need X-rays more frequently. We always tailor the frequency to your specific needs — never more than necessary.

Can I have X-rays if I'm pregnant? +

While routine X-rays are generally deferred during pregnancy, they can be taken when clinically necessary — particularly in an emergency — with a lead apron for added protection. Always inform us if you are or think you may be pregnant and we will adjust our approach accordingly.

Can I get a copy of my X-rays? +

Absolutely. Your X-rays are stored digitally in your patient record and can be transferred electronically to another dental office, specialist, or provided to you on request at any time. There's no need to re-take X-rays if you've recently had them taken elsewhere — just bring them with you or have your previous dentist send them over.

Do children need dental X-rays? +

Yes, children benefit from dental X-rays to monitor developing teeth, detect early cavities (especially between teeth, which cannot be seen visually), and track jaw development. We use the smallest sensors and lowest exposure settings for children, and take X-rays only as often as their individual risk level warrants.