What is digital radiography?
Digital radiography replaces traditional chemical film with an intraoral electronic sensor. 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.
The X-ray we take here
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.
We do not take panoramic or CBCT scans at the clinic. When your case needs additional imaging, we refer you to a trusted radiology center.
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
Your evaluation determines which imaging your case needs. We take digital periapical X-rays here; when panoramic or CBCT imaging is needed, we refer you to a trusted radiology center.
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
The $35 evaluation includes a digital periapical X-ray of the tooth and a written cost plan. If you need other imaging, we explain where to have it done.
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. — Endodontics El Salvador
Safety and radiation protection
The digital periapical X-ray is included in the $35 evaluation, together with the clinical assessment and written cost plan. We do not sell it as a standalone imaging service.
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:
- Individual protection: imaging and protective measures are selected according to the clinical indication and your circumstances.
- Previous information: tell us about pregnancy and existing X-rays so the dentist can assess which images are needed.
- ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable): we take only the X-rays strictly needed for diagnosis, never routinely without clinical indication.
- Pregnancy: tell us if you are pregnant or may be pregnant. The dentist evaluates whether imaging is needed for your care and the appropriate measures for your case.
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.
What patients often ask us
Is dental X-ray safe?
Digital X-rays use a low radiation dose. They are selected when they provide information needed for evaluation or treatment, rather than routinely without an indication. Tell the dentist about pregnancy and previous imaging so your case and appropriate protective measures can be assessed.
Can X-rays be taken during pregnancy?
Tell us if you are pregnant or may be pregnant. The need for an X-ray is assessed individually, based on your symptoms and the treatment being considered; it is not taken routinely. The dentist will explain the indication and appropriate measures for your case. See the American Dental Association information on pregnancy and dental care.
Is the X-ray included in the evaluation?
Yes. The $35 evaluation includes the periapical X-ray of the tooth, the clinical assessment and a written cost plan. We take the X-ray as part of care; it is not sold separately.
Do you offer CBCT cone-beam imaging?
No. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is not performed at our clinic. When a case requires CBCT — some complex endodontic retreatments, implants with uncertain anatomy, evaluation of bony pathology — we refer to a trusted radiology center.
We then work with the images the patient brings back from the referral.
Can you send my X-rays to another specialist?
Yes. Digital X-rays 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.
Images are archived in your record for future consultations and time-based comparisons.
Need an X-ray?
The evaluation with a periapical X-ray of the tooth and a written cost plan costs $35. Contact us to ask about availability.