Digital X-Rays in Scarborough - Safe, Fast & Accurate Imaging
I remember a patient from Malvern who came in for a regular checkup. She told me she had always been nervous about dental x-rays because she thought they hurt or gave off too much radiation. When we showed her the new Digital X-Rays in Scarborough system we use at Markham Gateway Dentistry, she was shocked at how quick and comfortable it was. She even laughed and said, “That’s it? I didn’t even feel anything!”
Stories like hers are common. Many people in Scarborough still think dental x-rays are the old clunky machines with big films and uncomfortable biting tabs. But times have changed. With Digital X-Rays, the images are sharper, safer, and way faster.
If you want to learn more about all the services we provide, check out our full Dental Services in Scarborough page.
What Are Digital X-Rays?
A digital x-ray is basically a modern version of the old dental film x-rays. Instead of using film, it uses a tiny sensor that sends the image straight to a computer screen. Your dentist can review sharp images of the teeth, jawbone and roots in only a few seconds.
For patients in Scarborough, this means:
- Clearer pictures of your teeth and gums
- Less radiation compared to old style x-rays
- Faster results-no waiting for film to develop
- See your digital x-ray results instantly without leaving the chair.
When we show patients their dental x-rays Scarborough on the screen, many are surprised to see small cavities, bone levels, or hidden issues they never knew about.
Why Do We Use Digital X-Rays in Scarborough?
Some patients ask, “Do I really need x-rays if my teeth feel fine?” The truth is, a lot of dental problems start where you can’t see them-between teeth, under old fillings, or inside the bone.
Digital x-rays help us spot:
- Cavities hiding between teeth
- Infections at the root of a tooth
- Bone loss from gum disease
- Wisdom teeth growing in the wrong way
- Tumors or cysts that don’t show on the surface
One teen from Agincourt came in with no tooth pain at all. His mom almost skipped the x-rays to save money. But when we showed them the digital image, there was a large cavity starting under an old filling. Catching it early meant we only needed a filling, not a root canal treatment in Scarborough later.
Safer for Patients and Families
A lot of Scarborough families worry about radiation. Patients are exposed to nearly 90% less radiation with Digital X-Rays than with the older film method. To give you an idea, you get more radiation walking outside on a sunny day than from a couple of dental x-rays.
That’s why parents feel safe bringing their kids for checkups at Markham Gateway Dentistry. We even offer pediatric dentist in Scarborough services, and digital x-rays are a huge part of making those visits quick and comfortable.
Types of Digital Dental X-Rays
We use different kinds depending on what we need to check:
01
Bitewing X-Rays
Show the top and bottom teeth in one area. Good for spotting cavities.
02
Periapical X-Rays
Highlight the complete structure of a tooth, from crown through to the root tip. Useful for Scarborough patients needing tooth pain relief.
04
Panoramic X-Rays
Show all the teeth and jaws in one image, which helps when planning wisdom teeth removal in Scarborough.
05
Occlusal X-Rays
Take a picture of the bite on the upper or lower jaw, commonly used with younger patients.
This variety helps us catch problems early, whether you just need a dental cleaning in Scarborough or something more advanced like dental crowns or bridges.
Benefits of Digital X-Rays
- Quick results – images appear instantly
- Better detail – helps diagnose small issues before they get bigger
- Much less radiation – safe for patients across every age group.
- Eco-friendly – no chemical waste from film
One senior from Cedarbrae told me he liked seeing his gum health improve over the years. We could pull up his past x-rays on the screen and compare bone levels. It made him feel proud of sticking to his dental cleaning Scarborough visits.
Digital X-Rays vs. Traditional X-Rays
One of the most common questions we hear is, “What’s the difference between digital x-rays and the ones dentists used before?”
- Traditional – film only, higher radiation levels, delays in seeing results, and tough to share with patients.
- Digital: computer image, safer, instant, easy to enlarge and explain.
For Scarborough patients, this means less time in the chair and more peace of mind.
Local Impact in Scarborough
Scarborough is a big community—families from Malvern, students from Centennial College, seniors from Milliken—and dental health affects everyone. At community health fairs, people often stop at our booth to ask about radiation safety or why we recommend dental x-rays Scarborough at regular checkups. Once we explain digital benefits, most say, “Oh, that’s not bad at all.”
With more awareness, people are realizing x-rays aren’t scary. They’re just another tool to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
How Often Do You Need Digital X-Rays?
It depends on your age, risk, and dental history. For example:
- Kids may need them once a year to track growth.
- Adults with healthy mouths might only need them every 2 years.
- If you have gum disease, cavities, or recent dental work, you might need them more often.
At Markham Gateway Dentistry, we create a custom plan for each patient.
Cost of Digital X-Rays in Scarborough
The cost of Digital X-Rays in Scarborough is usually affordable, and many insurance plans cover it as part of routine checkups. Prices vary depending on how many images are taken. Our staff can help you check your coverage so there are no surprises.
Book Your Appointment Today
If you want modern, safe, and accurate Digital X-Rays in Scarborough, visit us at Markham Gateway Dentistry.
- 2855 Markham Rd Unit 108, Scarborough, ON M1X 0C3
- Call us today to schedule your checkup.
Digital x-rays make dental care easier, faster, and safer for the whole family. Don’t wait until a hidden problem gets worse—let’s catch it early and keep your smile healthy.
FAQs About Digital X-Rays in Scarborough
Digital x-rays use much less radiation than old film ones—up to 90% less. For families in Scarborough, this makes them very safe, even for kids. Many parents are surprised when they hear that a couple of dental x-rays give off less radiation than walking outside in the sun.
Not at all. Patients at Markham Gateway Dentistry often say they didn’t even feel anything. The sensor is small, the process is quick, and the image shows up right away.
Only a few minutes. Once the sensor is ready, the image is displayed right on the screen without delay. Many Scarborough patients say the longest part is just sitting in the chair, not the x-ray itself.
Yes. They’re clearer, faster, and safer than film. Digital x-rays give high-quality images that let dentists catch cavities, gum disease, or wisdom teeth problems early. They also make it easy to show patients exactly what’s happening inside their mouth.
Yes. Since they’re digital, the images can be stored and shared easily. If you want to see your dental x-rays, our Scarborough team can show them on-screen during your visit, or send them securely if another dentist or specialist needs them.
You can get safe and modern Digital X-Rays in Scarborough at Markham Gateway Dentistry, located at 2855 Markham Rd Unit 108, Scarborough, ON M1X 0C3. Call us to book your checkup today.
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