Digital X-Ray in El Salvador

What is digital radiography?

Digital radiography replaces traditional chemical film with an electronic sensor (intraoral) or phosphor plate (panoramic). The image transfers immediately to a computer where it can be viewed, contrast-adjusted, measured, and archived.

Conceptually it's the same X-ray technique, but the digital sensor is more sensitive — so it requires less radiation to capture a useful image. There's no chemical processing and no wait: the dentist sees the image on screen in seconds.

Advantages over analog X-ray

• Lower radiation. The digital sensor is more sensitive than film. Dose per exposure is significantly lower.
• Instant images. Appears on screen in 1-3 seconds. No chemical processing, no waiting.
• Better diagnosis. Brightness, contrast, and zoom can be adjusted to reveal details invisible on film. Earlier cavity detection.
• Permanent digital archive. Stored in your clinical record. Doesn't degrade over time, doesn't get lost, can be shared by email or WhatsApp with another specialist in seconds.
• Better for the environment. No processing chemicals or plastic film to discard.
• More comfortable for the patient. The intraoral sensor is smaller and better tolerated than traditional film packets.

Types of X-rays we offer

Periapical X-ray

Image of 1-3 complete teeth including the full root and surrounding bone. The standard X-ray for diagnosing a specific tooth. Used to evaluate deep cavities, root lesions, root canal treatment (before, during, and after), root fractures, and alveolar bone status.

Bitewing X-ray

Captures the crowns of upper and lower teeth on one side while the patient bites on a tab. The preferred routine X-ray for detecting interproximal cavities (between teeth) — those that aren't visible to the naked eye until they've already become advanced. Recommended periodically as part of routine check-ups.

Panoramic X-ray

Wide image covering the entire mouth, both arches, maxillary sinuses, and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). The standard X-ray for general evaluation, first visits, extraction planning (especially third molars), growth monitoring in children, orthodontics, and initial implant planning.

When is an X-ray needed?

Endodontic diagnosis

Essential. Before a root canal we take an initial periapical X-ray to evaluate root anatomy, canal position, and the extent of any periapical lesion. During treatment, intermediate X-rays verify working lengths. At completion, a follow-up X-ray documents the sealing.

Implant planning

A panoramic X-ray allows initial evaluation: available bone height, position of the inferior alveolar nerve, space between adjacent teeth. For some complex cases a CBCT at an external radiology center may be required.

Interproximal cavity detection

Periodic bitewings catch cavities between teeth that are invisible to the eye until they've already destroyed part of the enamel. Early diagnosis = more conservative restoration.

Periodontal evaluation

Serial periapicals show bone level around each tooth. Allows us to measure bone loss from periodontitis and monitor response to treatment.

General evaluation / first visit

A panoramic at the start gives a complete map of the mouth: present teeth, impacted teeth, non-visible bone lesions, third molars, general status.

An X-ray isn't a luxury — it's the only way to see what's happening beneath the gum and inside the tooth. Clinical examination alone tells us only half the story. — Clínica Endodontics

Safety and radiation protection

The radiation dose from a digital dental X-ray is very low. For reference, several complete dental X-rays equate to a small fraction of natural annual exposure to environmental radiation. We still apply strict protection:

• Lead apron on every exposure to protect chest and abdomen.
• Thyroid collar where appropriate, especially in younger patients.
• ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable): we take only the X-rays strictly needed for diagnosis, never routinely without clinical indication.
• Pregnancy: we avoid X-rays during pregnancy except in emergencies. Always inform us if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy.

What about CBCT?

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides a 3D image that reveals anatomical structures in more detail than a 2D X-ray. We do not perform CBCT at our clinic. When a case requires it — some complex endodontic retreatments, implants with uncertain anatomy, evaluation of bony pathology — we refer to a trusted radiology center and work with the images the patient brings back.

Sharing your X-rays

Your X-rays are yours. Digital images are exported in standard format (JPG, PNG, or DICOM when applicable) and sent by email or WhatsApp directly to the patient or to the specialist who needs them. They remain archived in your record for future consultations and time-based comparisons.