Digital dental X-rays in Chicago, IL, give your dentist a closer look at areas that could not be seen during a regular oral exam. At Kedzie Dental Clinic, we use this advanced imaging technology to identify dental concerns early and plan the right treatment for you. Digital images are available within seconds, making it easier to check your teeth, roots, and jawbone and explain your care clearly.
Dental radiographs may help our dental team check your teeth, roots, supporting bone, and other oral structures. When imaging is clinically right, the information it gives could help your dentist make a more accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
If you are visiting for a routine dental evaluation, an urgent dental concern, or treatment planning, our team would determine whether an X-ray is needed based on your individual dental health and symptoms.
Digital dental X-rays use electronic image receptors to capture images of the teeth and surrounding structures. Unlike traditional film radiographs, digital images could be viewed electronically and stored as part of your dental record.
Depending on the type of image needed, dental X-rays could help your dentist identify problems that may not be visible during a clinical examination, including:
Dental X-rays are an important diagnostic tool, but they are not used by themselves to determine your overall oral health. Your dentist considers your symptoms, dental history, clinical examination, and other relevant information when deciding whether imaging is right.
There is no single X-ray schedule that is right for every patient. Current dental guidance recommends that radiographs be ordered based on individual clinical needs rather than automatically at the same interval for everyone. Factors such as your age, oral health, risk of dental disease, symptoms, previous dental treatment, and clinical findings may influence whether imaging is recommended.
At Kedzie Dental Clinic, your dentist would first check your dental concerns and determine whether an X-ray could give useful information for diagnosis or treatment planning.
If an X-ray is recommended, a dental professional would explain what type of image is needed and what to expect during the procedure.
The process depends on the type of radiograph being taken.
For an intraoral X-ray, a small image receptor may be positioned inside your mouth. For other types of imaging, the equipment may capture images from outside the mouth.
You may be asked to remain still for a few seconds while the image is taken. Dental X-rays are generally quick, and the imaging itself should not cause pain, although some patients may find positioning the sensor uncomfortable.
If you have a sensitive gag reflex, jaw discomfort, anxiety, or difficulty opening your mouth, let our team know. We could explain the process before taking the image and work with you to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
The type of radiograph your dentist recommends depends on the area being checked and the clinical question that needs to be answered.
We understand that some patients have concerns about radiation from dental X-rays.
Dental X-rays use ionizing radiation, so radiographs should be taken when the expected diagnostic benefit justifies the exposure. Current American Dental Association guidance emphasizes minimizing unnecessary exposure and following the ALARA principle — As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
Digital dental radiography is one part of modern radiation-safety practice. Other important measures include selecting X-rays based on clinical need, using right imaging settings and positioning, limiting the X-ray beam to the area being examined, and avoiding unnecessary repeat images.
Your dentist would suggest X-rays when they are clinically useful for diagnosis, treatment planning, or management of your dental condition.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your dental team before your appointment.
According to current American Dental Association guidance, dental radiographs are considered safe during pregnancy when clinically appropriate. Necessary dental care and diagnostic imaging do not generally need to be delayed solely because a patient is pregnant.
The ADA’s current recommendations also state that routine abdominal and thyroid shielding is no longer recommended for dental imaging. Instead, radiation protection focuses on appropriate patient selection, positioning, beam restriction, and other techniques that minimize unnecessary exposure.
Your dentist would consider your individual circumstances and determine whether imaging is needed for your care.
At Kedzie Dental Clinic, our goal is to make the process straightforward. We explain why an X-ray may be recommended, what the procedure involves, and how the resulting images would help with your care.
After reviewing the available information, your dentist could discuss the findings with you and explain any recommended next steps. If treatment is needed, we would discuss your options and answer your questions so you could make informed decisions about your oral health.
Your dentist may recommend dental imaging when there is a clinical reason to obtain information that cannot be adequately evaluated through examination alone.
Depending on your circumstances, an X-ray may help evaluate:
The decision to take an X-ray is individualized. A dental X-ray is not automatically necessary at every visit.
If you are experiencing tooth pain, swelling, sensitivity or another change in your oral health, an evaluation could help determine what is causing the problem.
Kedzie Dental Clinic gives dental examinations and diagnostic imaging when clinically appropriate as part of comprehensive dental care in Chicago.
Call our office or schedule an appointment online to discuss your dental concerns and find out whether dental X-rays may be right for your situation.
Dental X-rays use a low amount of ionizing radiation, and current dental guidelines focus on taking radiographs only when clinically justified and minimizing unnecessary exposure. Digital receptors, appropriate positioning, beam restriction, and other radiation safety practices could help reduce unnecessary exposure.
There is no single schedule that applies to every patient. Your dentist considers factors such as your age, oral health, risk of dental disease, symptoms, dental history, and clinical findings when deciding whether and when an X-ray is appropriate.
Dental radiographs could help dentists check conditions that may not be visible during a routine clinical examination. Depending on the type of image, they may help identify tooth decay, changes around tooth roots, bone loss, impacted teeth, certain fractures, and other dental or jaw abnormalities.
Yes. Current ADA guidance states that dental radiographs are considered safe during pregnancy when clinically right. Tell your dental team if you are pregnant or may be pregnant so your dentist could consider your individual circumstances when planning your care.
Digital X-rays use electronic image receptors rather than traditional photographic film. Digital images could be viewed electronically and stored in a patient's dental record. Digital imaging is also recommended by the ADA as one measure that could help minimize radiation exposure compared with conventional film.
Yes. Dental CBCT is noninvasive and there is no recovery period from the imaging itself. Your dental team would tell you if any other part of your appointment needs specific instructions.
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