---
title: "What Is Digital X-ray? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "A digital X-ray records a dental image with an electronic sensor instead of film. The image appears on a computer screen, and many dentists use this method."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-x-ray
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Technology and Imaging

# Digital X-ray

A digital X-ray records a dental image with an electronic sensor instead of film. The image appears on a computer screen, and many dentists use this method.

A digital X-ray captures the same kind of dental image as film but uses an electronic sensor. The picture goes straight to a computer, so the dentist can view it at once and enlarge parts of it. MedlinePlus notes that the amount of radiation with digital methods is less than with traditional methods.

Dental X-rays can show cavities, impacted teeth, and bone changes that a visual exam cannot show. The three most common types are [bitewing](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bitewing-x-ray), [periapical](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/periapical-x-ray), and [panoramic](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/panoramic-x-ray). Your dentist decides how often you need images based on your age, oral health, and risk for disease.

A routine [dental exam](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-exam) may include X-rays when your dentist thinks they are needed.

[Town Center Dental can helpDental Exam](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-exam)

## Related terms

-   [Bitewing X-ray](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bitewing-x-ray)
-   [Periapical X-ray](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/periapical-x-ray)
-   [Panoramic X-ray](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/panoramic-x-ray)
-   [Radiation dose](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/radiation-dose)

## Sources

1.  [MedlinePlus: Dental x-rays](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003801.htm)
2.  [ADA MouthHealthy: X-rays](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/x-rays)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)