Bitewing X-Rays
Standard checkup X-rays that show the upper and lower back teeth in a single view. Primarily used to detect cavities between teeth and check bone level around teeth. Typically taken every 1-2 years for most adult patients.
01 — Dental X-Rays
Digital dental X-rays in Downey.
Modern digital imaging, significantly less radiation than traditional film, instant high-resolution results.
02 — What Are Digital X-Rays
Modern imaging, minimal radiation.
Dental X-rays let us see what is happening between teeth, beneath the gumline, and inside the bone, areas a visual exam alone cannot evaluate. Cavities forming between teeth, infections at root tips, bone loss from gum disease, and impacted teeth are all visible on X-rays before they cause symptoms.
We use modern digital X-ray technology that captures images instantly on a sensor placed in your mouth, no film, no waiting for development. Digital X-rays use 70-90 percent less radiation than traditional film X-rays, and the digital images can be enhanced, magnified, and shared for second opinions or specialist consultation.
X-ray frequency is matched to your individual risk and history. Most adults with healthy mouths have full-mouth X-rays every 3-5 years and bitewing X-rays every 1-2 years. Patients with higher cavity risk, periodontal disease, or specific concerns may need more frequent imaging. Pediatric patients have X-rays based on developmental needs and risk factors.
We never take X-rays unnecessarily. Every X-ray is taken because there is a clinical reason, and we explain that reason before each set is captured. The radiation dose from a routine bitewing series is comparable to a few hours of normal background environmental radiation.
03 — Types Of Imaging
Different X-rays for different purposes.
We use the right type of imaging for each clinical question, never more, never less.
Periapical X-Rays
Detailed images of a single tooth and the surrounding bone, from crown to root tip. Used when there is a specific concern, persistent pain, suspected infection, or planning for a procedure like a root canal or extraction.
Panoramic X-Rays
Wide single image showing all upper and lower teeth, jaw bones, sinuses, and TMJ on one film. Used for comprehensive overview, evaluating wisdom teeth, planning orthodontic treatment, or assessing implant placement sites.
3D Cone Beam (CBCT)
Three-dimensional imaging that shows bone structure, nerves, and tooth position from any angle. Used by Dr. Stephen for implant planning and complex periodontal cases, and by Dr. Lee for orthodontic treatment planning when needed.
04 — Safety
Modern X-rays are safer than ever.
Concerns about radiation from dental X-rays are common, but the actual exposure from modern digital imaging is significantly lower than most patients realize.
Digital X-rays use 70-90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays, the standard for many decades.
Lead aprons and thyroid collars are used for every X-ray, providing additional protection beyond what the imaging itself requires.
A typical bitewing series delivers radiation comparable to 1-2 days of normal background environmental exposure, less than a cross-country flight.
Pregnant patients, patients with thyroid concerns, and patients who simply prefer to minimize all imaging can let us know. We adapt the imaging plan based on individual needs, and we will explain the clinical tradeoff if delaying X-rays affects your care plan.
05 — When We Take X-Rays
Reasons we take dental X-rays.
- New patient comprehensive exam (full-mouth X-rays establish a baseline)
- Routine checkup imaging based on individual risk and time since last X-rays
- Specific symptoms, pain, swelling, sensitivity, or visible damage
- Suspected cavity between teeth not visible on visual exam
- Evaluation of wisdom teeth as they develop
- Planning for treatment, root canals, extractions, implants, crowns
- Monitoring known issues, cracked teeth, fillings showing wear
- Periodontal evaluation when bone loss is suspected
- Orthodontic treatment planning
- Trauma or injury to teeth or jaw
06 — Common Questions
Questions about dental X-rays?
Patients often ask about radiation, frequency, and necessity. Honest answers below.
Ask a QuestionModern digital dental X-rays deliver very small amounts of radiation. A typical bitewing series (2-4 X-rays) exposes you to about 0.005 millisieverts, comparable to 1-2 days of normal background environmental radiation, or less than the radiation exposure of a cross-country airplane flight. A single panoramic X-ray is around 0.024 millisieverts, still significantly less than a chest X-ray. Modern digital imaging uses 70-90 percent less radiation than the film-based X-rays used historically.
Frequency depends on your individual oral health and risk. Most adults with healthy mouths have full-mouth X-rays every 3-5 years and bitewing X-rays every 1-2 years. Patients with higher cavity risk, periodontal disease, or specific concerns may need more frequent imaging. Children and teens have X-rays based on developmental needs. We follow American Dental Association guidelines and explain why each set is being taken.
Routine dental X-rays during pregnancy are generally considered safe, especially with modern digital imaging and protective lead aprons. However, we typically defer non-urgent X-rays during pregnancy unless there is a clear clinical need. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, let us know so we can plan imaging appropriately. Untreated dental infections during pregnancy can pose greater risks than routine X-rays.
Yes. You always have the right to decline X-rays, and we respect your choice. However, declining X-rays may affect our ability to diagnose certain conditions, like cavities between teeth or bone loss, and we will explain what we can and cannot evaluate without imaging. For new patients, we strongly encourage at least baseline imaging so we have something to compare against in future visits.
We do not duplicate recent X-rays unnecessarily. If you had recent X-rays at another office, request that they be sent to us. Most offices share digital images electronically within a day or two. We typically only take new X-rays if the existing ones are older, lower quality than we need, or do not show the specific area we need to evaluate.
Dental X-rays use such low radiation that they are not contraindicated for patients with most medical conditions. Patients with thyroid concerns benefit from the thyroid collar we use during imaging. Patients undergoing cancer treatment or with specific radiation sensitivity should let us know so we can plan imaging carefully or defer when possible.
3D cone beam X-rays (CBCT) provide three-dimensional images that show bone structure, nerve location, and tooth position from any angle. Standard 2D X-rays cannot show this depth of information. CBCT is used by Dr. Stephen for dental implant planning and complex periodontal cases, and by Dr. Lee for orthodontic treatment when 3D evaluation is needed. The radiation dose from CBCT is higher than a regular X-ray but still significantly less than medical CT scans.
Most dental insurance plans cover routine X-rays, including bitewings every year and full-mouth or panoramic X-rays every 3-5 years. Coverage varies by plan, and additional X-rays beyond standard frequency may have out-of-pocket cost. We verify your specific benefits before each appointment.
07 — Why Us
Imaging done right.
Modern X-ray technology is only as good as the team interpreting the images. We invest in both.
Modern digital technology
We use current-generation digital X-ray sensors that produce high-resolution images instantly with significantly less radiation than traditional film.
Conservative imaging philosophy
We never take X-rays without a clinical reason. Every set is justified, explained, and reviewed during your appointment.
Multiple specialists for complex cases
When 3D imaging or specialized interpretation is needed, Dr. Stephen and Dr. Lee bring specialty training to evaluate cases that go beyond routine.
Bilingual explanation of findings
We explain what we see on your X-rays in your preferred language, including showing you the images on screen so you can understand what we are evaluating.
08 — Explore More
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New patients welcome. Same-week appointments available for most visits.