Safe, Fast & Low-Radiation Imaging for Precise Dental Care — For the Whole Family
Advanced Dental Imaging in Ann Arbor
Digital dental X-rays are one of the most important tools in modern dentistry. They allow us to see areas of your teeth, gums, and jawbone that are completely invisible to the naked eye — catching problems early, before they become painful, expensive, or complicated to treat.
At Comfort Smiles Ann Arbor, we use state-of-the-art digital X-ray technology that produces high-resolution images instantly on a chairside screen. You can see exactly what we see — and we take the time to explain every finding clearly, so you always understand your oral health and your treatment options.
Best of all, our digital X-rays emit up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays, making them safe and comfortable for patients of all ages — from young children to seniors. We serve patients throughout Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Canton, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, and all of Washtenaw County.
Our digital X-ray technology is among the safest imaging methods in healthcare. The radiation exposure is minimal — equivalent to what you receive from everyday background radiation in just a few hours.
What We Can See
Cavities that form between teeth or beneath existing fillings are invisible to the eye but clearly visible on digital X-rays — allowing us to treat them while they are still small.
Dental infections and abscesses develop at the root of a tooth, deep below the gumline. Digital X-rays reveal these infections early, preventing them from spreading.
Gum disease causes gradual bone loss around teeth. Digital X-rays allow us to measure and monitor bone levels precisely, enabling early intervention before teeth are at risk.
Hairline cracks in teeth can be nearly impossible to detect visually. Digital X-rays help identify fractures before they cause pain or require more complex treatment.
Wisdom teeth and other impacted teeth that have not fully erupted are clearly visible on X-rays, allowing us to plan treatment before complications arise.
X-rays show the extent of bone and tissue damage caused by gum disease, helping us determine the most effective treatment plan for your specific situation.
How It Works
One of the biggest advantages of digital X-rays is that images appear on a chairside screen within seconds of being taken. There is no waiting for film to develop — your dentist can review the images with you immediately and explain exactly what they show.
We believe an informed patient is a confident patient. We take the time to walk you through your X-rays, point out any areas of concern, and explain your treatment options in plain language. You will never leave our office wondering what is going on with your teeth.
Parents often ask us whether dental X-rays are safe for their children. The answer is yes — and our digital technology makes them even safer. With up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays, digital imaging is one of the safest diagnostic tools in healthcare.
Our team is experienced in making children feel comfortable and at ease during their appointments. We explain the process in child-friendly terms, move at their pace, and ensure the experience is positive from start to finish. Regular X-rays are an essential part of monitoring your child’s dental development.
Digital X-rays are an essential part of preventive dental care for every member of your family — from young children to seniors. Different types of X-rays serve different purposes, and our team will recommend the right imaging for each patient’s age and dental history.
We offer bitewing X-rays for detecting cavities between teeth, periapical X-rays for viewing the full length of individual teeth and surrounding bone, and panoramic X-rays for a complete view of the entire mouth. We tailor our imaging approach to each patient’s specific needs.
As we age, our dental health needs change. Seniors are at higher risk for gum disease, bone loss, root decay, and oral cancer — all of which can be detected early with regular digital X-rays. Early detection means simpler, less expensive treatment and better long-term outcomes.
Our team is experienced in caring for senior patients with sensitivity and patience. We understand that dental appointments can be more complex for older adults, and we take the time to ensure every visit is comfortable, thorough, and informative.
Your Appointment
Digital X-rays are quick, comfortable, and completely painless. Here is exactly what happens during your imaging appointment at Comfort Smiles Ann Arbor.
We review your dental history and last X-ray date to determine which type of imaging is most appropriate for your current needs and health history.
A small digital sensor is gently placed in your mouth. It is lightweight and comfortable — no messy film trays. The process takes just a few seconds per image.
Images appear on the chairside screen within seconds. Your dentist reviews them immediately and walks you through any findings in clear, easy-to-understand language.
Based on the X-ray findings and your full examination, we create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific oral health needs and goals.
Recommended Frequency
For most healthy adults, we recommend dental X-rays once a year as part of your routine preventive care visit. However, the right frequency depends on your individual oral health history and risk factors.
You may need X-rays more frequently if you have a history of cavities or gum disease, are undergoing orthodontic treatment, have had recent dental work, or are experiencing symptoms like pain or sensitivity. We always tailor our imaging recommendations to your specific needs — we never take X-rays unnecessarily.
Recommended for most healthy adults with no significant dental history or active concerns.
History of cavities, gum disease, orthodontic treatment, or current dental symptoms.
More frequent imaging to monitor tooth development, eruption, and cavity risk in growing mouths.
A full set of X-rays is recommended for new patients to establish a baseline and assess overall oral health.
Why Choose Us
We use the latest digital imaging systems that produce high-resolution images with minimal radiation exposure. Our technology is regularly updated to ensure you receive the best possible care.
Our digital X-rays emit dramatically less radiation than traditional film X-rays — making them safe for patients of all ages, including pregnant women (with appropriate precautions) and young children.
We show you your X-rays on a large chairside screen and walk you through every finding in plain language. You will always understand exactly what is happening with your oral health.
Our gentle team is experienced in caring for anxious patients and children. We move at your pace, explain every step, and ensure your experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Most dental insurance plans cover routine X-rays as part of preventive care. We verify your benefits before your appointment and offer flexible financing for any out-of-pocket costs.
Located near the University of Michigan area at 760 W. Eisenhower Pkwy, we offer extended hours Monday through Thursday — making it easy to schedule care for the whole family.
The Power of Early Detection
The greatest benefit of regular digital X-rays is not what they find — it is what they prevent. When we detect a small cavity early, we can treat it with a simple filling. When we catch bone loss in its early stages, we can intervene before teeth are at risk. When we identify an infection before it spreads, we can treat it quickly and comfortably.
Patients who skip regular X-rays often end up needing far more complex and expensive treatment down the line. A few minutes of imaging once a year is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term oral health.
Patient Stories
“I had always been nervous about X-rays, but the team at Comfort Smiles made it so easy. The digital X-rays were quick and completely painless. The dentist showed me the images on the screen and explained everything clearly — I finally understood what was going on with my teeth. Highly recommend.”
“My daughter was nervous about her first dental X-rays, but the hygienist was so patient and kind with her. The whole process took just a few minutes and my daughter said it did not hurt at all. They found a small cavity between her teeth that we never would have known about — so glad we came in.”
“I appreciate that Comfort Smiles uses digital X-rays — much less radiation than the old film kind. The dentist showed me my X-rays on the screen and pointed out early signs of bone loss I did not know I had. We caught it early and started treatment right away. This practice genuinely cares about your health.”
Digital vs. Traditional
Digital X-ray technology represents a significant advancement over traditional film X-rays in every meaningful way — from safety and speed to image quality and environmental impact.
| Feature | Digital X-Rays (Our Technology) | Traditional Film X-Rays |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation Exposure | ✓ Up to 90% less radiation | ✗ Significantly higher radiation dose |
| Image Availability | ✓ Instant — appears on screen in seconds | ✗ Must be developed — takes time |
| Image Quality | ✓ High-resolution, can be enlarged & enhanced | Fixed resolution, limited enhancement |
| Patient Comfort | ✓ Lightweight sensor, quick exposure | Bulky film packets, longer exposure time |
| Record Storage | ✓ Digital — stored securely, easily shared | ✗ Physical film — can be lost or damaged |
| Environmental Impact | ✓ No chemical processing required | ✗ Requires chemical development — waste generated |
| Comparison Over Time | ✓ Easy side-by-side comparison with past images | Difficult to compare accurately |
Affordable Care
Routine dental X-rays are covered by most dental insurance plans as part of preventive care. We make it easy to understand your coverage and keep your out-of-pocket costs as low as possible.
We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, and United Concordia. Routine X-rays are typically covered as part of your annual preventive benefit. We verify your coverage before your appointment.
If you have out-of-pocket costs, we offer CareCredit with promotional 0% interest periods. Apply in minutes and get care today — pay over time at a pace that works for your budget.
We provide a clear cost estimate before any treatment begins. No hidden fees, no surprises — just honest, upfront pricing so you can make an informed decision about your care with complete confidence.
Common Questions
Yes — digital dental X-rays are very safe. They emit up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays, making them one of the lowest-radiation diagnostic tools in all of healthcare. The amount of radiation from a full set of dental X-rays is less than what you receive from background radiation during a short airplane flight. We also use lead aprons and thyroid collars as an additional precaution for all patients.
For most healthy adults, we recommend dental X-rays once a year as part of your routine preventive care visit. You may need X-rays more frequently if you have a history of cavities, gum disease, or other dental concerns. Children and teenagers may need X-rays more often to monitor tooth development. We always tailor our recommendations to your individual needs — we never take X-rays unnecessarily.
In general, dental X-rays are considered safe during pregnancy when necessary, especially with our low-radiation digital technology and the use of a lead apron. However, we typically recommend postponing routine X-rays until after delivery unless there is an urgent dental concern. Always let us know if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant before your appointment so we can make the best decision for your care.
No — dental X-rays are completely painless. A small digital sensor is gently placed in your mouth for a few seconds while the image is taken. Some patients find the sensor slightly uncomfortable, but it is not painful. Our team is experienced in making the process as comfortable as possible, especially for children and patients with sensitive gag reflexes.
Bitewing X-rays show the upper and lower back teeth in a single image, and are primarily used to detect cavities between teeth and monitor bone levels. Periapical X-rays show the full length of individual teeth from crown to root. Panoramic X-rays capture the entire mouth — all teeth, both jaws, and surrounding structures — in a single wide image. We recommend the type of X-ray that is most appropriate for your specific situation.
Most dental insurance plans cover routine X-rays as part of your annual preventive care benefit. Coverage varies by plan, but bitewing X-rays taken during your annual checkup are typically covered at 100% or with a small co-pay. We verify your insurance benefits before your appointment and provide a clear breakdown of any out-of-pocket costs so there are no surprises.
Absolutely. Our team is experienced in caring for patients with dental anxiety, and we take extra care to make every step of your appointment as comfortable as possible. Digital X-rays are quick and painless — the entire imaging process typically takes just a few minutes. We explain exactly what we are doing before we do it, and we always move at your pace. If you have significant anxiety, please let us know when you call — we can discuss additional comfort options.
Routine digital X-rays are one of the most important steps you can take for your long-term oral health. Comfort Smiles Ann Arbor makes it easy, safe, and comfortable — for every member of your family. Serving Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Canton, and all of Washtenaw County.
760 W. Eisenhower Pkwy, Suite 310, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Mon & Wed & Thu: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Tue: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Fri: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
