Dental care
Digital X-Rays / Diagnostics
Accurate diagnosis is one of the most important parts of effective dental care — and much of what affects your oral health isn't visible to the naked eye.
Care that starts with you.
Overview
What you should know
Decay between teeth, issues below the gum line, bone health, and the position of unerupted teeth all require imaging to assess properly. At Footscray Dental Studio, we use digital X-ray technology to capture detailed images quickly and efficiently, helping your dentist make well-informed decisions about your care.
Digital X-rays produce images almost instantly, using significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays, and can be viewed and enlarged on-screen so your dentist can talk you through exactly what they show.
What's Involved
Diagnostic imaging at our practice may include:
- Bitewing X-rays — used to check for decay between teeth and monitor bone levels around teeth.
- Periapical X-rays — focused images of a specific tooth, from crown to root tip, often used when investigating pain or infection.
- OPG (Orthopantomogram) imaging — a panoramic view capturing the entire jaw, teeth and surrounding structures in a single image, useful for broader assessments including wisdom teeth, jaw joints, and treatment planning.
- Intraoral camera images — small camera-captured images of the mouth used alongside X-rays to give a complete picture of your oral health.
Your dentist will explain which type of imaging is appropriate for your specific situation and why.
Benefits of Digital X-Rays
- Significantly lower radiation exposure compared with traditional film X-rays
- Immediate results, viewable on-screen during your appointment
- Greater diagnostic accuracy for issues not visible during a standard exam
- Images can be enlarged and reviewed together with your dentist
- Supports more precise treatment planning for procedures such as root canal therapy, implants, and orthodontics
When X-Rays May Be Recommended
Your dentist may recommend diagnostic imaging if you're experiencing dental pain, as part of a new patient examination, before certain treatments (such as implants, root canal therapy, or wisdom tooth assessment), or as part of your regular preventive check-up schedule.
Is this right for you?
Who It's Suitable For
X-rays are recommended based on individual clinical need, which your dentist will assess as part of your check-up or treatment planning. This applies to patients of all ages, with imaging tailored to each person's specific requirements.
What to Expect
The process is quick, non-invasive and generally comfortable. Your dentist or dental assistant will position the equipment carefully and let you know what to expect beforehand. Images are available for review within moments.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Are digital X-rays safe?
Digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays and are a standard, widely used diagnostic tool in modern dentistry.
How often will I need X-rays?
This depends on your individual dental history, risk factors and current concerns, as assessed by your dentist — not every visit requires new imaging.
Can I see the X-ray images?
Yes, digital X-rays can be viewed on-screen immediately, and your dentist can walk you through what they show as part of your consultation.
What's the difference between a standard X-ray and an OPG?
A standard X-ray (bitewing or periapical) focuses on a specific tooth or area, while an OPG (panoramic) image captures a broader view of the entire jaw, teeth and surrounding structures.
Do children need X-rays too?
Your dentist will recommend X-rays for children where clinically appropriate, such as monitoring developing teeth or assessing orthodontic needs.
Will I need X-rays before other treatments, like implants or root canal?
Yes, X-rays are typically part of the assessment and planning process for more involved treatments such as dental implants or root canal therapy.
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