Dental X-Rays (022): Why They’re Needed, Safety, and What to Expect

emmanuelr131
Aug 28
3 min read

Updated: Aug 29

Why do dentists recommend X-rays?

Even the best dental exam can only see so much. X-rays (item 022) let us check areas that aren’t visible to the eye, helping us catch issues early:

Cavities between teeth — spots that can’t be seen during a routine exam.
Tooth growth and development in kids — making sure adult teeth are on track.
Early warning signs — detecting problems before they become painful or expensive to treat.

Think of X-rays as your dental “early detection system.”

Are dental X-rays safe?

We understand parents (and adults) often worry about radiation. Here’s the good news:

Modern digital X-rays use very low radiation, much less than older film types.
Comparable to daily life — a single dental X-ray exposes you to less radiation than a short plane flight.
Only taken when needed — at GFD we never “routine X-ray” unnecessarily.

Your safety is our priority — and we’ll always explain why an X-ray is recommended before proceeding.

What happens during a dental X-ray?

The process is quick and painless:

A small sensor/film is placed gently inside your mouth.
You bite down briefly while the image is taken.
The digital result appears instantly on our screen.
Your dentist reviews the image with you, pointing out areas of concern or reassurance.

It usually takes just a couple of minutes.

Beyond Item 022: OPG & CBCT Scans

Sometimes a small dental X-ray (item 022) isn’t enough to give us the full picture. In these cases, we may recommend more advanced imaging:

OPG (Item 037): A panoramic scan that shows all teeth, jaws, and sinuses in one image. Useful for wisdom teeth, orthodontic planning, and jaw joint issues.
CBCT (Cone Beam CT): A 3D scan that provides highly detailed images of bone and tooth structure. Often used for implant planning, complex root canal cases, and assessing jaw conditions.

At Greenbank Family Dental, we currently refer patients to trusted local providers for OPG and CBCT scans. This ensures you receive the most accurate diagnostics when needed.

📌 Looking ahead: Our new flagship clinic, opening in 2026, will feature in-house advanced imaging (including CBCT and OPG) for even greater convenience and precision.

Cost and rebates (Item 022)

Typical range: ~$40–$60 per film.
CDBS: Covered for eligible children under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (bulk billed at GFD).
Health funds: Most private funds cover item 022 under extras.
DVA: Accepted at GFD.

Our current offer & value

At Greenbank Family Dental, dental X-rays are included when clinically needed as part of our $179 Check-Up & Clean package.

Signature GFD difference: Hygienist clean + dentist exam in the same appointment — with X-rays taken only when necessary, explained clearly, and included in your visit.