Digital X-Rays in Springfield, OR: A Patient Guide

Digital X-rays in Springfield, OR, help orthodontic teams create precise treatment plans with clear, low-exposure images. At Epperson Orthodontics, patients can expect efficient imaging that supports accurate diagnosis and comfortable care. This page explains what digital X-rays show, how they work, safety considerations, and how often they may be recommended for orthodontic treatment. For scheduling questions, call 541-852-2552.

Digital X-Rays Explained

Digital X-rays use an electronic sensor to capture detailed images of teeth, roots, and jaw structures. The images appear instantly on a computer screen, which allows the team to zoom, adjust contrast, and share findings with you in real time. In orthodontics, digital X-rays are part of your diagnostic records along with photos and impressions or scans. They help reveal tooth positions, bone levels, impacted teeth, and growth patterns that are not visible during a visual exam.

Common imaging types include bitewing and periapical views for individual teeth, panoramic X-rays for a wide view of the jaws, and cephalometric X-rays for side-view analysis of jaw and facial relationships. Each type answers a different question, from how a tooth’s root sits in bone to how the upper and lower jaws relate. Patients often search for “what are digital dental X-rays,” “how do digital X-rays work,” and “are dental X-rays safe.” The sections below address these topics in clear terms.

Benefits of Digital X-Rays

• Lower radiation compared with traditional film in most cases.
• Fast image capture, which shortens chair time.
• High-resolution detail that supports accurate diagnosis.
• Easy image sharing for orthodontic planning and referrals.
• Environmentally friendly process without chemical developers.

The key advantage is clarity with efficiency. Clear, immediate images help guide decisions about braces, aligners, and other orthodontic steps while minimizing repeat exposures.

How Digital X-Rays Work

Instead of film, a small sensor is placed in your mouth or positioned outside the face, depending on the image type. A controlled X-ray beam passes through the area, and the sensor sends the data to a computer, creating an image within seconds. Because the sensor is more sensitive than film, the radiation dose is often lower. For patients interested in “dental X-ray radiation dose,” it helps to know that dental imaging represents a small fraction of daily background radiation and is kept as low as reasonably achievable.

Different images answer different clinical questions:

• Bitewing views check the spaces between teeth and bone levels.
• Periapical views show the full tooth, including the root and surrounding bone.
• Panoramic images scan both jaws, sinuses, and developing or impacted teeth.
• Cephalometric images assess jaw growth and tooth position for orthodontic planning.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

The process is quick and patient-friendly. Most visits follow these steps:

• Preparation includes removing glasses, earrings, or other metal objects that may obscure the image.
• Positioning uses a sensor or external unit with bite tabs or guides to help you stay still.
• Image capture takes only a few seconds per view.
• Review happens chairside as the team explains what the images show and how they relate to your orthodontic plan.

Mild pressure from a sensor is normal, and gag reflexes can be accommodated with smaller sensors, topical aids, or positioning techniques. Most patients find the process comfortable and fast.

Safety, Frequency, and Timing

Digital X-rays are considered safe, and only the views necessary for diagnosis and monitoring are recommended. Lead aprons and thyroid collars may be used to add protection when appropriate. During orthodontic treatment, X-rays are taken based on your needs and growth stage. Questions like “how often do you need dental X-rays” are best answered individually, but many patients need them at initial records, before certain procedures, and periodically to monitor progress.

Pregnancy is an important consideration. Non-urgent X-rays are often postponed; if imaging is necessary, added shielding and careful selection of views help minimize exposure. Always inform the team if you are pregnant or think you may be.