See What a Visual Dental Exam Cannot Reveal
Digital X-rays help identify dental conditions that may not be visible during a routine examination. At Pure Dentistry Arts, Dr. Jonathan Rodney uses digital dental X-rays in Brooklyn, New York, to evaluate teeth, roots and surrounding bone when imaging is clinically necessary.
Do you need an examination or diagnostic imaging? Call 347-223-5850 or contact Pure Dentistry Arts to schedule an appointment.
What Are Digital Dental X-Rays?
Digital dental X-rays use electronic sensors rather than conventional film to capture images of your teeth and surrounding structures. The images appear on a computer shortly after they are taken, allowing Dr. Rodney to review them during your visit.
Digital radiography generally requires less radiation than conventional film-based imaging. The exact exposure depends on the equipment, type of image, area being evaluated and settings used. For that reason, a universal percentage reduction should not be applied to every digital X-ray system.
Digital images can also be stored securely within your dental record and shared with another dental provider when authorized and clinically appropriate.
What Can Dental X-Rays Show?
A visual examination provides important information, but it cannot reveal everything occurring between teeth, below the gumline or within the jawbone.
Depending on the type of image taken, dental X-rays may help Dr. Rodney evaluate:
- Cavities between teeth or beneath existing restorations
- Bone levels around the teeth
- Infections near tooth roots
- Impacted or unerupted teeth
- Root shape and surrounding anatomy
- Cracks, damage or other changes that may affect treatment
- The development and position of permanent teeth
- Available bone and anatomy for dental implant planning
X-rays are one part of diagnosis and treatment planning. Dr. Rodney considers the images together with your symptoms, health history and clinical examination.
Types of Digital Dental Imaging
The type of image recommended depends on the area being evaluated and the diagnostic information required.
Bitewing X-Rays
Bitewing images show the upper and lower teeth in a selected area. They are commonly used to evaluate spaces between teeth, existing fillings and supporting bone levels.
Periapical X-Rays
A periapical image shows the entire tooth from its visible crown to the end of the root and surrounding bone. It may be used when evaluating tooth pain, infection, trauma or the need for root canal therapy.
Panoramic Imaging
A panoramic image provides a broad view of the teeth, jaws and nearby structures. It may be useful for evaluating tooth development, impacted teeth and certain oral surgery needs.
CBCT Three-Dimensional Imaging
Cone-beam computed tomography, or CBCT, creates a three-dimensional view of selected oral and facial structures. It may be used for complex treatment planning involving dental implants, surgical extractions, root anatomy or other conditions when two-dimensional imaging does not provide enough information.
CBCT involves more exposure than many conventional dental X-rays and should be used only when its diagnostic benefit justifies it.
Benefits of Digital X-Ray Technology
Digital imaging offers several practical advantages when X-rays are needed:
- Images are available shortly after capture
- Dr. Rodney can review findings with you on a monitor
- Images can be enlarged to support explanation and evaluation
- Digital files can be stored and retrieved efficiently
- Authorized images can be shared electronically with other providers
- No film-development chemicals are required
- Digital receptors can reduce exposure compared with conventional film
Digital enhancement can assist with viewing an image, but it cannot replace proper positioning and image capture. Our team focuses on obtaining diagnostically useful images while avoiding unnecessary repeat exposures.
Are Dental X-Rays Needed at Every Visit?
No. X-rays should be selected according to each patient’s clinical needs rather than taken automatically at every appointment.
During your dental exam, Dr. Rodney considers:
- Your current oral health
- Your age and stage of dental development
- Your history of cavities or gum disease
- New pain, swelling or other symptoms
- Previous dental treatment
- The age and usefulness of existing images
- The treatment being considered
If another dental office has recent images, ask whether they can be transferred to Pure Dentistry Arts. Dr. Rodney will determine whether they provide the information needed or whether additional imaging is appropriate.
How We Approach Radiation Safety
Dental imaging uses low levels of ionizing radiation, but every exposure should still have a clear clinical purpose. Dr. Rodney recommends X-rays only when the expected diagnostic benefit supports taking them.
Our approach includes:
- Selecting images according to individual diagnostic needs
- Reviewing available previous images when possible
- Using digital receptors instead of conventional film
- Limiting the area being imaged to the region of interest
- Using CBCT only when lower-exposure imaging cannot provide the necessary information
- Positioning patients carefully to reduce the likelihood of retakes
Tell our team if you are or may be pregnant. Necessary dental imaging can still be considered, but Dr. Rodney will evaluate the clinical need and follow current safety guidance.
What to Expect During Digital X-Rays
For intraoral X-rays, a small digital sensor is positioned inside your mouth while the X-ray unit captures the image. You will be asked to remain still briefly while each exposure is taken.
Panoramic and CBCT imaging use equipment that moves around your head while you remain positioned within the machine. These systems do not require an intraoral sensor.
Individual images are captured quickly, although the total imaging time depends on the number and type of views required. Afterward, Dr. Rodney will evaluate the images and discuss relevant findings with you.
Experienced Diagnostic Care in Brooklyn, New York
Dr. Jonathan Rodney has practiced dentistry since 2020 and completed a General Practice Residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in 2021. His experience across restorative dentistry, root canal treatment, oral surgery and implant care helps him select imaging based on the clinical question being evaluated.
At Pure Dentistry Arts, digital X-rays and CBCT scans are used to support diagnosis and treatment planning rather than replace a thorough examination. Dr. Rodney personally reviews the relevant images and explains how the findings affect your treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Digital X-Rays
How much do digital dental X-rays cost?
The cost depends on the type and number of images needed. A small set of intraoral images differs from panoramic or CBCT imaging. Pure Dentistry Arts accepts major credit cards and CareCredit™, and our team can explain expected fees before imaging.
Are digital dental X-rays safe?
Dental X-rays use low levels of radiation, and digital receptors can reduce exposure compared with conventional film. Images should still be taken only when they provide necessary diagnostic information. Dr. Rodney selects imaging according to your individual needs.
Do digital X-rays use 90% less radiation?
Not in every situation. The reduction depends on the digital sensor, film system used for comparison, equipment and exposure settings. It is more accurate to say that digital radiography generally requires less exposure than conventional film-based imaging.
How often should dental X-rays be taken?
There is no schedule that applies to every patient. Frequency depends on age, current oral health, cavity risk, symptoms, previous treatment and whether existing images still provide useful information.
Will I need X-rays at every dental exam?
No. Dr. Rodney will review your history and complete a clinical evaluation before determining whether new images are necessary.
What is the difference between a regular dental X-ray and a CBCT scan?
Conventional dental X-rays create two-dimensional images of selected teeth or broader areas of the mouth. CBCT creates a three-dimensional view and may be recommended for complex implant, surgical or root-related treatment planning.
Can I have dental X-rays while pregnant?
Necessary dental imaging can be performed during pregnancy when the diagnostic benefit supports it. Tell our team if you are pregnant or may be pregnant so Dr. Rodney can consider your circumstances and follow current imaging guidance.
Can you use X-rays from my previous dentist?
Possibly. Recent images may be transferred with your authorization and reviewed by Dr. Rodney. New images will be recommended only if the existing records do not provide the necessary diagnostic information.
Schedule an Appointment for Digital X-Rays in Brooklyn, New York
Digital imaging can provide important information about conditions that are not visible during a routine examination. Dr. Jonathan Rodney will determine which images, if any, are appropriate for your current needs.
Call 347-223-5850 or request an appointment online to learn more about digital dental X-rays in Brooklyn, New York.
