Home > Services > General & Preventive Dentistry > Digital Dental X-Rays
Some dental problems begin in places we cannot see during a visual examination. Digital dental X-rays help us look between teeth, around roots, and at the bone supporting your smile so we can understand what is happening beneath the surface.
A visual check with a mirror and instruments tells us a great deal, but it cannot show every surface of a tooth or everything below the gumline. We use digital imaging to help you address:
Type of X-ray | What the Image Shows | When We Use It |
|---|---|---|
Bitewing X-ray | Crowns of upper and lower teeth, contact spaces, and visible bone levels | To check for decay between teeth and evaluate existing restoration edges |
Periapical X-ray (PA) | An entire tooth from the crown through the root tip and nearby bone | To investigate pain, a suspected infection, or specific root concerns |
Full-Mouth Series (FMX) | A comprehensive group of bitewing and periapical views covering the whole mouth | To establish a detailed baseline or evaluate extensive treatment history |
We explain which image type is recommended based on your symptoms and examination findings rather than making X-rays automatic.
We gently place a small digital sensor near the area being examined. Tell us if you have a gag reflex so we can keep you comfortable.
When Dr. Mohammad Hammoud took over this established Michigan Avenue practice, it still relied on traditional paper charts and film X-rays. He completely rebuilt the clinical record around fully digital charting and imaging. Digital images appear instantly without chemical processing, allowing Dr. Hammoud to enlarge areas, adjust contrast, and compare findings with earlier records while explaining everything directly to you.
While you do not maintain X-rays at home, understanding how we manage your records helps you stay informed about your care:
No. We recommend X-rays when they are expected to provide information that your examination and existing records cannot provide. Your symptoms, oral health, disease risk, treatment history, and previous images all affect the decision.
It varies more than most people expect. The timing depends on your cavity risk, current findings, age, and whether earlier bitewings still provide useful information. We will recommend new images when there is a clinical reason to take them.
Yes. Digital dental X-rays use ionizing radiation. We manage exposure by taking images only when they are clinically needed, selecting the appropriate view, and using digital imaging techniques rather than taking X-rays automatically at every appointment.
Yes, dental X-rays can be taken during pregnancy when they are clinically necessary. Tell us if you are pregnant or think you could be pregnant so we can review the reason for the image, its timing, and the safety steps that apply to your care.
If you are due for an examination or need help evaluating dental pain, sensitivity, or a damaged tooth, contact our Dearborn team today.
Reviewed by Dr. Mohammad Hammoud, DMD – 313 Dental, Dearborn, MI
