General & Preventive Dentistry · Sacramento, CA
Digital X-Rays in Sacramento, CA
Some dental problems hide where the eye can't see — between teeth, under fillings, and below the gumline. Our digital X-rays use a fraction of the radiation of traditional film to give Dr. Kathiriya a crystal-clear picture of your oral health.
Images appear instantly on screen, so we can review findings together and answer your questions on the spot.
What Are Digital Dental X-Rays?
Many dental problems start where no one can see them — between teeth, beneath old fillings, under the gumline, and inside the jawbone. Digital dental X-rays give Dr. Bhumika Kathiriya, DDS a clear view of those hidden areas using a small electronic sensor instead of old-fashioned film, with images appearing on screen in seconds.
The biggest win for patients is safety and comfort: digital sensors use a fraction of the radiation of traditional film X-rays, there's no waiting for film to develop, and the images can be enlarged and enhanced on screen so you can actually see what we see. When a case calls for more detail — planning dental implants, evaluating wisdom teeth, or tracing the source of pain — our in-office cone beam 3D imaging captures a complete three-dimensional view of your teeth, roots, and bone.
X-rays are a routine part of your comprehensive dental exam, but we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. We image only what your situation actually requires, based on your age, history, and risk factors.
What Digital X-Rays Help Us Find
Roughly half of what matters in your mouth is invisible to the naked eye. Digital imaging reveals:
- Cavities forming between teeth — long before they hurt
- Decay hiding beneath existing fillings and crowns
- Bone loss from gum disease around tooth roots
- Infections and abscesses at the tip of a root that may need root canal therapy
- Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth before they cause trouble
- Cysts, unusual growths, and other changes in the jawbone
- Precise measurements for planning extractions, implants, and orthodontics
Why Sacramento Patients Trust Our Imaging
Low-Radiation Technology
Digital sensors use a fraction of the radiation of traditional film — a difference that matters, especially for kids and frequent patients.
Cone Beam 3D Imaging
When flat X-rays aren't enough, in-office 3D imaging maps your teeth, roots, nerves, and bone in precise detail.
Instant On-Screen Results
Images appear in seconds and are reviewed with you on the spot — no film, no waiting, no second visit for answers.
Imaging Only When Needed
Dr. Kathiriya tailors X-ray frequency to your personal risk, following professional guidelines rather than a fixed schedule.
Getting Digital X-Rays: What to Expect
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Quick Review of Your History
We check your records and risk factors to decide which images — if any — are actually needed at this visit.
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Comfortable Positioning
A small, smooth digital sensor is placed gently in your mouth. Each image takes just a moment, and a protective apron keeps exposure to a minimum.
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Instant Images On Screen
Your X-rays appear within seconds. We can zoom, enhance contrast, and compare against previous visits to spot even subtle changes.
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Review Together
Dr. Kathiriya walks you through the findings in plain language, pointing out exactly what she sees — so every recommendation makes sense before you decide anything.
How Often Are Dental X-Rays Needed?
There's no universal schedule — and there shouldn't be. A cavity-prone patient may benefit from checkup X-rays once a year, while a patient with a long healthy history may only need them every couple of years. New patients typically start with a full set so we have a complete baseline to compare against over time.
Because our digital sensors use such low radiation doses, staying current with recommended imaging is one of the safest, highest-value habits in preventive dentistry: it's how small, cheap-to-fix problems get caught before they become big ones.
Get the most from your dental imaging:
- Keep regular cleaning and exam visits so images can be compared over time
- Tell us if you're pregnant or may be — we'll adjust timing and take extra precautions
- Have prior X-rays from another office? We can request them so nothing is repeated unnecessarily
- Don't skip imaging when you have pain — toothaches almost always have a hidden cause an X-ray can find
Dental X-Ray Cost & Insurance in Sacramento
Routine checkup X-rays are classified as preventive care, and most PPO dental plans cover them at or near 100% on a set schedule — typically bitewings once a year and a full set every few years. Diagnostic images for a specific problem are usually well covered too.
At our Arden-Arcade office we verify your benefits before your visit and give you a clear written estimate for any recommended care, so there are never surprises. Questions about coverage? Reach out at (916) 929-3737 and our front office will check for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are digital dental X-rays safe?
Yes. Digital sensors use a fraction of the radiation of traditional film X-rays — a routine set exposes you to less radiation than many everyday activities, like a short airline flight. We also use protective aprons and only take images your situation genuinely calls for.
How are digital X-rays different from traditional film X-rays?
Three big ways: far less radiation, instant results on screen instead of waiting for film to develop, and the ability to enlarge and enhance images for a more accurate diagnosis. They're also easier to share securely with specialists or insurance when needed.
What is cone beam 3D imaging, and when is it used?
Cone beam CT captures a three-dimensional view of your teeth, roots, nerves, and jawbone in a single quick scan. Dr. Kathiriya uses it for cases where flat images fall short — planning implants, evaluating difficult extractions, or locating the exact source of pain or infection.
Do dental X-rays hurt?
No. You'll simply bite gently on a small sensor for a few seconds per image. Patients with a strong gag reflex should let us know — our team has gentle positioning tricks that make the process much easier.
Can I get dental X-rays while pregnant?
Routine images are usually postponed until after delivery, but if you're in pain or have an urgent dental problem, imaging with proper shielding is considered safe and is often necessary for proper treatment. Always tell us if you're pregnant so we can plan accordingly.
Are dental X-rays covered by insurance?
Almost always. Most PPO dental plans cover checkup X-rays at or near 100% as preventive care on a set schedule. We verify your benefits before your visit so you'll know exactly what's covered.
Why do I need X-rays if nothing hurts?
Because cavities, infections, and bone loss are usually painless until they're advanced. X-rays let us catch a small cavity between teeth while it needs only a simple filling — instead of finding it later when it needs a root canal and crown. Book a checkup and we'll take a look together.
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