Reviewed by Dr. Nicole M. Berger, DDS — South Florida Smile Spa, Pompano Beach, FL
Digital dental X-rays in Pompano Beach are how South Florida Smile Spa finds the cavities, bone loss, cracks and infections that cannot be seen by looking: a small sensor replaces film, the image appears on the screen in seconds, and the radiation dose is a fraction of what film required. Dr. Nicole M. Berger takes X-rays on a schedule set by your risk rather than by the calendar, reviews each image with you, enlarges and enhances it on screen to show you what she sees, and keeps every image on file so changes can be compared visit to visit. This page explains the types of X-ray, how often they are needed, the dose in plain terms and what to expect.
Quick answer
Digital X-rays use an electronic sensor instead of film to capture images of the teeth and bone, with roughly eighty to ninety percent less radiation, instant results and the ability to enlarge, enhance and compare images on screen. At South Florida Smile Spa in Pompano Beach, bitewing X-rays check between the teeth for decay every one to two years depending on your risk, periapical images look at a whole tooth and its root when there is pain or a problem, and a panoramic image gives an overview every few years. Images are reviewed with you at the visit, a lead apron and thyroid collar are used, and X-rays are taken only when they add information the exam cannot.
Types
Digital dental X-rays in Pompano Beach: which image is taken and why
Different questions need different views, and each is taken only when it adds something the exam cannot show.
- Bitewings. Two to four images of the back teeth that show decay between the teeth and the bone level around them; the routine cavity check.
- Periapicals. A single tooth from crown to root tip, taken when there is pain, swelling, a crack or a tooth being planned for a crown, root canal or extraction.
- Full-mouth series. A set of bitewings and periapicals covering every tooth, taken for new patients with a complex history or every several years.
- Panoramic. One sweeping image of both jaws, the sinuses and the joints from the Orthophos unit; the overview at a new-patient exam.
- 3D cone-beam. Reserved for implants, surgery and problems the flat images cannot explain; described on its own page.
The American Dental Association’s page on dental X-rays explains the types and how often they are recommended, which is the schedule used here.
The Visit
What taking digital X-rays is like
- Need assessed. Your risk, history and symptoms decide which images, if any, are taken at this visit.
- Apron and collar. A lead apron with a thyroid collar is placed.
- Sensor positioned. A small sensor is placed in the mouth with a holder; patients who gag can have bitewings taken from outside the mouth instead.
- Exposure. A fraction of a second per image; the picture appears on the screen immediately.
- Review. Dr. Berger enlarges and enhances the images and shows you anything that needs attention, comparing with earlier images on file.
How much radiation, honestly
A set of four digital bitewings delivers a dose comparable to a day or so of natural background radiation; a full-mouth series is more, and a panoramic image is similar to a few days of background exposure. Digital sensors cut the dose of film by most of its value, a thyroid collar and apron protect the rest of the body, and no image is taken on a fixed schedule for its own sake. Pregnant patients have X-rays postponed unless there is an urgent problem. The cone beam imaging page explains the dose of a 3D scan separately.
Why the schedule is personal
A patient with no cavities in years, healthy gums and good home care may need bitewings only every two years; a patient with recent decay, dry mouth, many fillings or gum disease benefits from them annually. New patients usually have a panoramic image and bitewings so there is a baseline, and transferred X-rays from a previous dentist are accepted if they are recent, which avoids repeating them. Our cleanings and exams page explains how X-rays fit into the checkup.
Care in Pompano Beach
Why patients choose South Florida Smile Spa for digital X-rays
- Only when they add information. Frequency set by your risk, not the calendar.
- Lowest practical dose. Digital sensors, apron and thyroid collar, no retakes.
- Shown and explained. Enlarged on screen and compared with earlier images with you.
- Gag-friendly options. Extraoral bitewings for patients who cannot tolerate a sensor.
- Records that travel. Images are kept on file and shared with a surgeon, orthodontist or new dentist on request.
Patients come to us from Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Coconut Creek for care planned with the imaging and tools described on this page.
Due for a checkup, or a tooth that hurts for no visible reason
Book an exam with Dr. Berger. Digital X-rays only where they add information, reviewed with you on the spot.
South Florida Smile Spa · Dr. Nicole M. Berger, DDS · 572 E McNab Rd, Suite 102, Pompano Beach, FL 33060 · (954) 785-1100
Frequently Asked Questions
Are digital X-rays safe?
Yes. They use roughly eighty to ninety percent less radiation than film, a lead apron and thyroid collar are worn, and images are taken only when needed. Four bitewings are comparable to about a day of natural background radiation.
How often do I need dental X-rays?
Bitewings every one to two years depending on your cavity risk, a panoramic image every few years or at a new-patient exam, and single-tooth images when there is a problem. The schedule follows ADA guidance and your history.
Can you use X-rays from my previous dentist?
Yes, if they are recent and of good quality. Ask your former office to send them digitally and we will not repeat them unnecessarily.
I gag on the sensor. Is there another way?
Yes. Bitewings can be taken from outside the mouth on our panoramic unit, and single images can be taken with a smaller sensor and a slower approach.
Can I have X-rays if I am pregnant?
Routine X-rays are postponed until after the pregnancy. If there is pain, swelling or an infection that needs diagnosing, a single image with full shielding is considered safe, and Dr. Berger discusses it with you first.
Do you see patients from outside Pompano Beach?
Yes. Patients come from Lighthouse Point, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Coconut Creek and across Broward County, and X-rays are taken and reviewed in the same checkup visit. The office is at 572 E McNab Rd, Suite 102, Pompano Beach. Call (954) 785-1100 or request an appointment.