Digital X-Rays in North York
Some dental problems hide between teeth or under the gums. Digital X-rays let your dentist see those areas and show you the images on a screen.
Digital X-rays in North York at Emerald Forest Dental use a small sensor instead of film to capture images of your teeth and jawbone. The pictures show up on a screen within seconds, so your dentist can point out what they see. Digital X-rays use a low dose of radiation and are taken only when they are needed.
- Typical time
- A few minutes for most sets
- Who it's for
- Children and adults, based on each person's dental needs
- Coverage
- Usually covered by insurance at set intervals; check your plan
- Recovery
- None
About digital x-rays
A dental X-ray passes a short burst of radiation through your teeth to a sensor. Dense areas, like enamel and fillings, look light. Softer areas, like decay or infection, look darker. With digital X-rays, the sensor sends the image straight to a computer, so there is no film to develop and the image can be zoomed in or brightened to see fine detail.
Different views answer different questions. Bitewing X-rays show the back teeth from crown to bone level and are good at finding cavities between teeth. Periapical X-rays show a whole tooth, including the root tip, and help check for infection or a cracked root. A panoramic X-ray gives one wide view of both jaws, which is useful for wisdom teeth and planning larger treatment.
The radiation from dental X-rays is low, but it is still kept as low as reasonably possible. Your dentist decides which images you need based on your age, your risk of cavities, any symptoms and how long it has been since your last set. A protective apron may be used as an extra precaution. If you are or might be pregnant, please tell us before any X-ray so your dentist can decide what is truly needed.
Why your dentist may suggest X-rays
- You are a new patient and we need a starting record
- Your dentist suspects a cavity between two teeth
- A tooth aches, or feels sore when you bite down
- Your gum check shows deeper pockets that may mean bone loss
- You are being assessed for wisdom teeth, implants or orthodontic treatment
Benefits
- Shows decay between teeth and under old fillings
- Reveals bone levels and infection that cannot be seen by eye
- Images appear right away and can be enlarged on screen
- Can be shared with another dental office when needed
What to expect
- Decide what is neededYour dentist chooses only the views that will answer a clear question.
- Get positionedYou may wear a protective apron, and a small sensor is placed in your mouth or you stand in a panoramic unit.
- Hold stillThe image takes a moment, and you simply keep still while it is captured.
- Review togetherYour dentist looks at the images on screen and points out anything that needs attention.
Other options
There is no direct replacement for X-rays when your dentist needs to see between teeth or into the bone. A careful visual exam is always done, and in some cases your dentist may decide to wait and watch an area instead of taking a new image right away.
Cost and coverage
X-ray fees depend on the number and type of images, such as a pair of bitewings compared with a full set or a panoramic view. The ODA suggested fee guide is commonly used as a reference. Most insurance plans cover bitewings once a year or so and a full set every few years, so it is worth checking your limits. Our team is happy to help with that. If you are covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan, ask us how it may apply. If X-rays lead to a larger treatment plan, LendCare financing can help.
Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.
Your dental team
Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Ye Zhang, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Kasra Badii, DDS
General Dentist
Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.
Digital X-Rays FAQ
Are dental X-rays safe?
Dental X-rays use a very small amount of radiation, and digital sensors need less than older film. Your dentist only takes images when the information will help your care. If you have concerns, ask your dentist why a certain X-ray is being suggested.
Can I have dental X-rays while pregnant?
Tell us if you are pregnant or might be. Routine X-rays are often put off, but if you have pain or an infection, your dentist may take a needed image with extra shielding. Treating a dental infection is important for both you and your baby.
Why do I need X-rays if nothing hurts?
Many cavities and areas of bone loss cause no pain until they are fairly advanced. X-rays help your dentist find them sooner, when treatment is usually smaller.
What if the sensor makes me gag?
Let us know. We can use a smaller sensor, change the angle or give you a short break. Breathing slowly through your nose often helps too.
Can you send my X-rays to a specialist or new dentist?
Yes. Digital images can be sent securely with your permission. Just let us know where they need to go.
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Digital X-Rays near you
We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.
This page is general information and is not a substitute for an exam. Your dentist will recommend what's right for you. Reviewed by: Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS. Last updated 2026-10-26.
Book digital x-rays in North York
New patients welcome. We'll confirm your coverage before treatment.