Dental X-Rays

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Dental X-Rays

What are Dental X-Rays?

Dental radiographs (X-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without X-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

Dental X-Rays May Reveal:

  • Abscesses or cysts.
  • Bone loss.
  • Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
  • Decay between the teeth.
  • Developmental abnormalities.
  • Poor tooth and root positions.
  • Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.
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X-Rays can help you look beyond just the surface of your teeth. Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!  

Digital Dental X-Rays

Digital radiography (digital X-ray) is the latest technology used to take dental X-rays. This technique uses an electronic sensor (instead of X-ray film) that captures and stores the digital image on a computer. This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged, helping the dentist and dental hygienist detect problems more easily. Digital X-rays reduce radiation 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental X-rays.

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What are Panoramic X-Rays?

Panoramic X-rays (also known as Panorex® or orthopantomograms) are wraparound photographs of the face and teeth. They offer a view that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. X-rays in general, expose hidden structures, such as wisdom teeth, reveal preliminary signs of cavities, and also show fractures and bone loss.

Panoramic X-rays are extraoral and simple to perform. Usually, dental X-rays involve the film being placed inside the mouth, but panoramic film is hidden inside a mechanism that rotates around the outside of your head.

Unlike bitewing X-rays that need to be more often, panoramic X-rays are generally only taken every few years. A panoramic X-ray is not conducted to give a detailed view of each tooth, but rather to provide a better view of your entire mouth. The Panoramic X-Ray Machine helps us look at areas such as the sinus areas, nasal areas and mandibular nerve.

How Are Panoramic X-Rays Taken?

The panoramic X-ray provides the dentist with an ear-to-ear two-dimensional view of both the upper and lower jaw. The most common uses for panoramic X-rays are to reveal the positioning of wisdom teeth and to check whether dental implants will affect the mandibular nerve (the nerve extending toward the lower lip).

The Panorex equipment consists of a rotating arm that holds the X-ray generator, and a moving film attachment that holds the pictures. The head is positioned between these two devices. The X-ray generator moves around the head taking pictures as orthogonally as possible. The positioning of the head and body is what determines how sharp, clear and useful the X-rays will be to the dentist. The pictures are magnified by as much as 30% to ensure that even the minutest detail will be noted.

Panoramic X-rays are an important diagnostic tool and are also valuable for planning future treatment. They are safer than other types of X-rays because less radiation enters the body.

If you have questions or concerns about panoramic X-rays, please contact our practice.

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We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of X-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.

Dental X-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe. Dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental X-rays. These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each X-ray.

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The need for dental X-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.

A full mouth series of dental X-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing X-rays (X-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.

Since every insurance plan is different, it’s really hard to say how frequently you can get X-Rays. Most insurance plans do cover X-rays during a certain period, so it’s best that you contact your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage. 

If you’re currently pregnant and your dentist mentions that you may need X-Rays, don’t worry! Dental X-rays can be safe and effective even if you’re pregnant because our dental office makes sure to only focus on your teeth and not other parts of your body. While radiation from X-rays is extremely minimal, a leaded apron and thyroid shield will always be placed over the rest of your body to ensure that you receive as little exposure to the rest of your body as possible.

Here at Quarry Park Dental, we believe that it’s critical to visit us while you’re pregnant. Preventative dental, while you’re pregnant, is highly recommended to help you avoid pregnancy gingivitis and other dental complications.

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Here at Quarry Park Dental, we value the trust you place in us. To show our gratitude, we have a special gift for all new patients who get a dental exam and hygiene.

Kind words from our Patients

500+ 5-star reviews!

Been coming here since moving to Calgary , a very satisfied patient for over 10 years! The front office ladies are always very helpful and accommodating, Dr Sinhui is by far the best dentist I’ve seen in my 60 years, explains every procedure and knows what he’s doing, gentle and knowledgeable, my smile has never looked so amazing 🤩

— Teresa R.

I have nothing but good things to say about Quarry Park Dental. I’ve been a patient for several years and the staff are all amazing. The service is also superior to any other dental clinics I’ve been to over the years. They use the latest technology and equipment. They are efficient, always on time and super friendly. I have been going through some personal challenges and the compassion they showed me during my last visit was absolutely incredible. I have referred some of my friends to them and they are also very happy. I’d highly recommend this clinic.

— Lalia W.

I’ve never experienced more helpful and friendly people in any dentist office I have been to. For someone who has high anxiety around going to the dentist or getting the bill, they have helped me to actually not dread going and to come up with good plans without making it overwhelming. I will continue to recommend them to anyone I know.

— Kristina W.

Children's Dentists in Quarry Park

Learn More About Our Team At Quarry Park Dental

Our Quarry Park dentists follow the same beliefs in patient-first approaches focused on helping you and your family understand their oral health. Above all, our children’s friendly dentists in Quarry Park strive to ensure that our patients are treated with respect, educated about their oral health, and comfortable throughout any dental procedures that they may need. We are here for you and your family.

Days of the Week


Opening Hours


Monday9 am – 5 pm
Tuesday9 am – 5 pm
Wednesday9 am – 7 pm
Thursday9 am – 7 pm
Friday8 am – 3 pm
Saturday9 am – 3 pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have any more questions about your oral health? We’re here to give you a hand. Don’t hesitate to contact our office or book your appointment below to meet with one of our family dentists in SE Calgary.

It really depends on each patient! Typically we recommend that adult patients visit a dentist once or twice a year, even if your mouth is in good condition. This way, you can get your teeth professionally cleaned regularly and maintain excellent oral health.

Toothaches are the main reason patients come to us. Pain is a sign that your body is telling you something is wrong. There could be decay, gum disease, or other dental problems below the surface. We also help those who have lost or broken a tooth. Don’t worry too much and book your next dental appointment with one of our family dentists today!
If your teeth hurt even a little bit, go to the dentist. Even if the pain goes away, there may still be a problem that needs to be checked. This can prevent the problem from getting worse and causing even more discomfort.

The Canadian Dental Association suggests that parents bring their baby to see a dentist when their first tooth comes in (or by their first birthday). This is important because it lets the dentist find any problems early on, before more teeth come in and the problems get worse. Our dentists are great with families and want to help keep your child healthy.

Yes, we do! If you’re looking for a new, family-friendly dentist in SE Calgary, please don’t hesitate to book your appointment today! We would be more than happy to help guide you on the right treatment solution for your oral health needs.

We’re ready to help answer any additional questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office today!