Dental X-rays help your dentist see what’s happening beneath the surface—between teeth, under fillings, and inside the bone that supports your smile. At Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale, our team utilizes advanced digital imaging to diagnose problems early, plan precise treatments, and minimize your exposure as much as possible. This guide explains how X-rays work, how often you might need them, and why modern technology makes them safer than ever.
What Dental X-Rays Show That a Visual Exam Can’t
Even with a careful mirror-and-light inspection, some dental problems remain hidden. X-rays provide a detailed look at areas that aren’t visible during a standard exam. Dr. Steven A. Brisman, DMD, and his team utilize these images to detect early changes and prevent more complex issues from developing later.
Common issues dental X-rays can detect include:
- Cavities between teeth or under existing fillings
- Bone loss caused by gum disease
- Infections or abscesses near tooth roots
- Impacted teeth or abnormal development
- Cracks, cysts, and other changes in bone structure
X-rays allow your dentist to make informed recommendations, saving you time, discomfort, and unnecessary procedures.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Safety is one of the most common questions patients ask—and the good news is that today’s dental X-rays use extremely low levels of radiation. Our office follows strict safety protocols for every patient, guided by the “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” (ALARA) principle.
Here’s how we protect you at every step:
- Digital sensors reduce exposure by up to 90% compared to traditional film.
- Protective shields such as lead aprons and thyroid collars are used when appropriate.
- Selective imaging protocols ensure we only take the images necessary for accurate diagnosis.
- Regular equipment calibration maintains consistently low radiation output.
Modern X-rays deliver about the same radiation exposure as a short airplane flight or a day in the sun. For most patients, the diagnostic benefits far outweigh the minimal exposure involved.
How Often Do You Need X-Rays?
There’s no universal schedule for X-rays—frequency depends on your individual oral health, age, and risk factors. Dr. Kevin M. Loshak, DDS, and our hygiene team tailor each patient’s imaging plan to strike a balance between prevention and safety.
Typical recommendations include:
- Adults with low cavity risk: Bitewing X-rays every 12–24 months
- Adults with higher risk (frequent decay, dry mouth, multiple restorations): Bitewing X-rays every 6–12 months
- Children and teens: Frequency depends on growth, tooth eruption, and cavity history
- New patients: A complete baseline set to evaluate overall oral health
By tailoring the schedule to your needs, we avoid unnecessary imaging while keeping your dental health on track.
X-Ray Types Explained
Different types of X-rays serve different purposes. Knowing the difference can help you understand what your dentist is looking for during each visit.
- Bitewing X-rays: These are the most common. They detect cavities between the back teeth and assess bone levels around the gums.
- Periapical X-rays: These images capture the entire tooth, from the crown to the root, and reveal issues such as infections or fractures.
- Panoramic X-rays: This broad image shows the entire mouth—jaws, sinuses, and developing teeth—all in one view.
- CBCT (3D imaging): Cone Beam Computed Tomography provides a 3D view of the teeth, bone, and surrounding structures. It’s used selectively for more complex cases.
Our use of digital X-rays and advanced dental technology ensures sharper images, faster results, and lower exposure for every patient.
When Is a 3D CBCT Scan Helpful?
While most checkups don’t require 3D imaging, CBCT scans provide unmatched precision when planning specific treatments. They’re especially valuable in procedures that require detailed views of bone and nerve anatomy.
CBCT scans may be recommended for:
- Planning dental implants and evaluating bone quality
- Diagnosing complex root canal problems
- Assessing impacted teeth or jaw joint concerns
- Analyzing airway and bite relationships
By using 3D technology only when necessary, our dentists gain precise insights without unnecessary radiation exposure.
Safety for Pregnancy, Children, and Medically Complex Patients
Every patient is unique, and we tailor our approach to your specific stage of life and health needs. If you’re pregnant, we generally postpone non-urgent X-rays. However, if an image is needed for emergency treatment, our team uses protective coverings and focused, low-dose techniques to ensure patient safety.
For children, smaller digital sensors and quick exposures keep imaging comfortable and safe. Dr. Adam Silevitch, DDS, our pediatric dentist, takes extra care to explain each step in kid-friendly terms. We also coordinate with physicians for patients with ongoing medical care to ensure full safety and comfort.
What to Expect at Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale
At our office, the imaging process is simple, quick, and comfortable. Digital sensors capture images in seconds, and the results appear instantly on a chairside monitor. You’ll see what we see—and we’ll walk you through each finding so you understand your oral health clearly.
Here’s what you can expect during your visit:
- Step-by-step guidance from your dental assistant or hygienist
- Immediate digital images displayed on-screen for discussion
- Combined photo and X-ray review to visualize your treatment needs
- Secure storage of your images for easy comparison at future visits
Our team uses this visual approach to ensure every patient feels informed and confident about their care.
How We Minimize Exposure Without Missing Problems
Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale takes a conservative, evidence-based approach to imaging. We never take unnecessary X-rays, and we review your previous images before capturing new ones.
Our safety measures include:
- Checking your records to avoid duplicate images
- Using the fewest exposures necessary for accurate diagnosis
- Regularly calibrating our equipment for optimal performance
- Reviewing each image immediately to confirm clarity before proceeding
This approach enables us to detect problems early—such as hidden decay or bone changes—without incurring unnecessary exposure.
Common Questions About Dental X-Rays
It’s normal to have questions about dental X-rays, especially for children or new patients. Below are brief answers to some of the most frequently asked concerns.
When to Call Us for an Assessment
If you’re due for your regular checkup or notice symptoms like tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, or swelling, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment. X-rays can reveal underlying issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye, helping you identify potential problems before they become a concern.
Common signs that may require new X-rays include:
- Sensitivity to temperature or chewing
- Persistent bad breath or gum bleeding
- Jaw pain or swelling
- Recurrent decay or cracked teeth
Our general and family dentistry team will guide you through every step—from diagnosis to treatment and prevention.
Your Next Step: Schedule With a Team That Puts Safety and Precision First
With advanced digital technology and decades of expertise, Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale delivers care that’s precise, efficient, and safe for the whole family. Whether it’s your child’s first visit or your own routine checkup, we use low-dose digital imaging and 3D technology only when needed.
Call our office today at (914) 725-7100 to request an appointment and experience advanced, compassionate dental care in the heart of Westchester County.
