Dental X-Rays in Phoenix, AZ
Some dental problems develop where they cannot be seen during a visual exam. Digital dental X-rays give Dr. Abbas Nejad a clearer view of your teeth, roots, jawbone, and surrounding structures so concerns can be found and treated with greater accuracy.
At West Portland Dental, X-rays are recommended only when they can provide useful information for your diagnosis or treatment plan. Your imaging needs are based on your oral health, dental history, symptoms, age, and previous X-rays rather than a fixed schedule.
Why Dental X-Rays Matter
A dental exam provides valuable information, but it cannot reveal everything happening beneath your gums or inside a tooth. Dental X-rays can help identify concerns that may otherwise remain hidden until they cause pain or visible damage.
These images may help Dr. Nejad evaluate tooth decay, bone loss, infections, impacted teeth, root health, and changes beneath existing dental work. They can also support treatment planning for procedures such as dental implants, root canal treatment, crowns, and tooth extractions.
X-rays are diagnostic tools, not automatic parts of every appointment. Dr. Nejad will review your current oral health and previous images before deciding whether new X-rays are needed.
What Dental X-Rays Can Reveal
Dental radiographs can help dentists evaluate and diagnose many oral conditions, but the type and number of images should be selected according to the patient’s specific clinical needs.
Hidden Tooth Decay
Detect cavities between teeth or beneath existing restorations where they may not be visible during an exam.
Bone & Gum Changes
Evaluate the bone supporting your teeth and identify changes that may be linked to periodontal disease.
Dental Infections
Look for signs of infection near a tooth root and gather information needed to plan appropriate care.
Impacted Teeth
Locate teeth that have not erupted normally and evaluate how they relate to nearby teeth and bone.
Existing Dental Work
Check crowns, fillings, implants, and other restorations for changes that may require closer attention.
Treatment Planning
Provide detailed information that supports more accurate planning for restorative, surgical, and preventive care.
When Are Dental X-Rays Recommended?
Dental X-rays may be recommended when you are a new patient, have tooth pain, show signs of decay or gum disease, need a specific treatment, or have an oral health concern that cannot be fully evaluated through a visual exam alone.
They may also be used to monitor an existing condition or confirm that previous treatment continues to support your oral health. How often you need imaging depends on your dental history, current symptoms, risk factors, prior X-rays, and clinical findings.
At West Portland Dental, Dr. Nejad recommends X-rays when the expected diagnostic value supports taking them. This individualized approach helps avoid unnecessary imaging while ensuring important concerns are not missed. Current ADA guidance likewise advises against routine or convenience-based imaging and supports ordering X-rays only when clinically necessary.
What to Expect During Digital Dental X-Rays
Digital dental X-rays are usually completed within a short part of your appointment. A small sensor is positioned inside your mouth while images are taken from the angles needed to evaluate your teeth and supporting structures. You may need to bite gently to hold the sensor in place for certain views.
The images appear digitally so Dr. Nejad can review them as part of your examination. He will explain any findings, answer your questions, and discuss the next step if treatment or monitoring is recommended.
Dental X-rays use ionizing radiation, so imaging should be limited to what is needed for diagnosis or treatment. When an X-ray is clinically appropriate, the diagnostic benefit is considered greater than the small radiation risk.
Why Choose West Portland Dental
Choosing a dentist is about more than finding the right treatment. It is about finding a team you trust. At West Portland Dental, Dr. Abbas Nejad brings more than 25 years of experience providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. We take time to understand your concerns, explain your options clearly, and recommend treatments based on your individual needs. Our goal is to help you achieve lasting oral health in a welcoming environment where you always feel informed and comfortable.
- Over 25 years of clinical experience
- Personalized treatment recommendations
- Modern dental technology
- Compassionate care for the whole family
- Comfortable, patient-focused experience
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays involve a low level of radiation and should be taken only when clinically necessary. West Portland Dental uses patient-specific imaging recommendations so the number and type of images are limited to what Dr. Nejad needs for diagnosis or treatment planning.
No. Dental X-rays should not be taken automatically at every visit. The decision depends on your oral health, age, symptoms, disease risk, previous images, and current examination findings.
Dental X-rays can reveal structures and concerns hidden beneath the surface. Depending on the image, they may help identify decay between teeth, changes in supporting bone, root infections, impacted teeth, or problems beneath existing dental work.
Yes. Tell our team if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant before any imaging is completed. Dr. Nejad can consider that information along with your symptoms and treatment needs when deciding whether an X-ray is necessary.
Often, yes, if they are recent and provide the information needed. Sharing previous images may help Dr. Nejad compare changes over time and avoid repeating X-rays that do not need to be taken again. Updated images may still be recommended when your oral health, symptoms, or treatment needs have changed.
Get a Clearer Picture of Your Oral Health
The right information makes it easier to understand your oral health and choose appropriate care. Digital dental X-rays can help reveal concerns that are not visible during a standard examination while supporting accurate, personalized treatment planning.
Get clear answers about your smile. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Abbas Nejad today and receive dental imaging based on your individual health, history, and treatment needs.