Dental X-Rays in Fort Collins, CO
Digital
X-rays
Digital X-Rays at Harbor Dental
We use digital dental X-rays instead of the standard X-ray film. These provide us with instant results and easy electronic storage, but the greatest benefit is they reduce the amount of radiation over traditional X-rays by about 80%.
Digital X-Rays, also known as digital radiography, is a modern dentistry technique used for capturing detailed images of your teeth, gums, and other oral structures. This technology uses an electronic sensor instead of traditional photographic film, reducing the amount of radiation patients are exposed to during the process.
We use dental X-rays to:
- Find cavities in your teeth
- Look at the tooth roots to ensure they are healthy
- Check the bone health of areas around your teeth
- Look at developing teeth
- Compare changes in your teeth
- Whether we take dental X-rays at your cleaning appointment often depends on your oral health.
Some people may need X-rays more frequently than others, including:
Children and teens – We take X-rays more frequently if children have a history of many cavities or are at a high risk of decay. We also use X-rays to track tooth development.
Adults with many fillings, crowns, and other restorations – X-rays can help Dr. Murphy find cavities that may be lurking beneath your fillings or crowns or in places that are hard to see because of restorations.
People with periodontal disease – X-rays can reveal signs of bone loss that put you in danger of losing your teeth.
People with dry mouth – Saliva helps keep your mouth healthy by regulating the pH levels. If your mouth is dry, the pH decreases, which causes the minerals in your teeth to break down and leads to more cavities.
Smokers – Smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease, which increases the risk of bone loss around the teeth
Digital X-Rays are safer than traditional X-Rays as they significantly reduce the exposure to radiation. They also offer various benefits over traditional methods. For instance, the images can be enhanced and enlarged on the computer, making it easier for the dentist to detect problems. The digital format also allows for easy storage and sharing of images, which can be beneficial for tracking your dental history or consulting with specialists.
What To Expect During your Visit
Nervous about visiting the dentist? We understand. That’s why we’ve outlined exactly what you can expect on your first visit. As well as some more helpful information about our digital X-Rays.
Contact Us Today!
At Harbor Dental Clinic, we’re committed to providing you with the best dental care possible. If you’re due for a dental X-Ray or if you’re experiencing any dental problems, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our team is ready to assist you and answer any questions you may have about our digital X-Ray services. Your journey towards excellent dental health starts here.
X-ray FAQs
Digital dental X-rays use an electronic sensor instead of traditional film to capture images of your teeth, gums, and jaw structures instantly. At Harbor Dental Clinic, they note that this method offers immediate results and reduces radiation exposure by about 80% compared to traditional film X-rays. This advanced technology allows your dentist to see detailed images on a screen right away and explain findings more clearly. It’s a safer, faster way to monitor your oral health and plan treatment.
They use digital X-rays to find cavities, check tooth roots, monitor bone health around teeth, examine developing teeth, and compare changes over time in a convenient format. The digital images can be enlarged, enhanced, and stored electronically, making treatment planning more efficient and consultations more informative. Patients benefit from more accurate diagnostics and fewer surprises during treatment. With digital storage, your dental history is accessible and easy to review whenever needed.
The process begins with selecting a composite resin color that closely matches your natural tooth color. Then, the surface of the tooth is roughened and a conditioning liquid applied to help the bonding material adhere. The tooth-colored, putty-like resin is then applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape. An ultraviolet light or laser is used to harden the material, after which it is trimmed, shaped, and polished to match the rest of the tooth surface.
Children and teens who are still developing teeth, adults with many restorations (fillings, crowns) or gum disease, smokers, and people with dry mouth (which raises cavity risk) often require more frequent imaging. The frequency of X-rays depends on individual risk factors, like mouth dryness, existing dental work, or gum-bone health. Harbor Dental assesses each patient’s oral health to determine when X-rays are needed. This personalized approach ensures you get the right care without unnecessary exposure.
You’ll sit or stand comfortably while the dentist places the small sensor in or near your mouth, takes the image, and then you’ll view it almost instantly on a computer screen. Because the sensor is electronic, the process is quicker and more comfortable than older film-based methods. The dentist reviews the image with you, highlights findings, and discusses next steps if needed. You won’t have to wait for film to develop—everything’s done on the spot.
Yes — digital X-rays are considered very safe due to their significantly reduced radiation exposure (around 80% less than traditional X-rays). The benefits include faster diagnosis, clearer images, better tracking of dental changes over time, and easier sharing of images with specialists if needed. Harbor Dental’s use of this technology means you receive modern, patient-focused care with your safety and comfort in mind. With digital X-rays, you’ll stay informed about your oral health and receive targeted, efficient treatment.
