Seeing what an exam alone cannot
A visual examination tells us a great deal, but not everything. X-rays reveal decay between teeth and beneath existing fillings, infection at the root of a tooth, the level of bone supporting your teeth, impacted teeth, and certain cysts and tumours — none of which are visible to the eye until they are advanced.
Why digital, specifically
- Substantially less radiation than traditional film — a meaningful reduction in exposure, particularly for children and for anyone who needs imaging regularly.
- Immediate. There is no chemical development. The image appears on the monitor beside your chair within seconds.
- Better diagnostics. Digital images can be enlarged, sharpened and contrast-adjusted, which reveals detail a film print simply cannot show.
- Shareable. If you need a specialist, or you move away, your records travel instantly.
- No chemicals. No processing chemistry and no film to dispose of.
You get to look too. The screen faces you. Combined with our intra-oral camera, that means when we say there is a crack in the lower left molar, you can see the crack in the lower left molar. We would rather explain something than ask you to take our word for it.
How often?
There is no single schedule for everybody. Frequency depends on your age, your risk of decay, your gum health and what we are monitoring. We take x-rays when they will change what we do — not on a fixed calendar because the calendar says so.
Common questions
Digital X-rays FAQs
Are digital x-rays safe?
Digital x-rays use a significantly lower dose of radiation than traditional film x-rays — a very small exposure, and one that is easily justified by what the images let us catch early. We also use protective shielding and take images only when they will genuinely inform your care.
Why do I need dental x-rays?
Because a great deal of dental disease is invisible to a visual exam until it is advanced. X-rays show decay between teeth and under fillings, infection at the root, bone loss from gum disease, impacted teeth, and cysts or tumours — all of them much easier and cheaper to treat when found early.
What are dental x-rays looking for?
Decay, infection, bone levels, the position of unerupted or impacted teeth, and abnormalities in the jaw. On a routine visit they are largely a check that nothing is developing where we cannot see it.
Can I refuse x-rays?
You are always in control of your own care. But it does limit what we can diagnose, and we would be treating with incomplete information. If you have a concern about imaging, tell us — we would far rather have the conversation than have you avoid the appointment.
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Learn moreReady when you are.
New patients are welcome. Call the office and a real person in South Lyon will pick up — or request your appointment online and we'll confirm it with you.
(248) 216-1000