Preventive Care | Lake Forest
Dental X-Rays in Lake Forest, IL
A dental X-ray can show problems that an exam alone cannot, including decay between teeth, changes around roots, infection, or developing teeth and jaw structures. At Ross & Durrett Family Dental, our doctors consider imaging alongside your history, symptoms, oral-health findings, age, and risk instead of treating it as an automatic part of every visit.
Lake Forest, Illinois Welcoming patients from across the North Shore
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When a dental X-ray may help
Our doctors will recommend a dental X-ray when an image could help diagnose a concern, plan care, or monitor a known condition. The clinical question guides whether imaging can help assess hidden tooth decay, bone changes, infection near a tooth root, an impacted tooth, or the position and development of teeth. An X-ray adds information to a clinical examination; it does not replace one.
Timing varies from person to person. A new patient may need images to establish a current baseline, while an established patient can use prior images if they are recent and diagnostically adequate. Children, people with symptoms or a higher risk of disease, and patients being evaluated for specific treatment can have different imaging needs than an adult with a stable, low-risk history.
- Tell us about pain, swelling, sensitivity, a recent injury, or a change you have noticed.
- Ask a prior dental office to transfer usable images so adequate studies do not need to be repeated.
- There is no universal schedule; our doctors recommend imaging based on the question your care needs to answer.
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A focused approach to safety and comfort
Dental X-rays use ionizing radiation, but the dose from dental imaging is generally very low. Our doctors recommend an image when its expected benefit matters for your care, use the smallest appropriate field, and avoid duplicating adequate prior studies. Tell us if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, or have questions about prior radiation exposure so the doctor can consider the benefit, alternatives, and timing.
- Share relevant medical and dental history before imaging.
- Ask what decision the image is intended to inform and whether an existing image may be suitable.
- You can call (847) 234-8608 with questions about an imaging recommendation or a new dental concern.
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What to expect at Ross & Durrett Family Dental
At our independently owned Lake Forest practice, serving the North Shore community since 1968, a doctor first listens to your concerns and examines your mouth. If imaging is recommended, we explain the purpose and the type of view that can answer the question. The recommendation can differ for preventive monitoring, a symptom, an injury, or treatment planning.
An X-ray is one part of a broader evaluation. Based on your situation, care can include an examination alone, review of outside images, monitoring a finding and reassessing later, or additional evaluation. Our doctors explain which approach fits your needs and what the next step means.
- Bring the names of prior dental offices and approximate dates of recent X-rays when available.
- Let us know about new symptoms or concerns before your appointment.
- Call (847) 234-8608 to schedule a visit at 1400 N Western Avenue, Lake Forest, IL.
Questions, answered clearly
Good questions are welcome.
Do I need dental X-rays at every checkup?
Not necessarily. The need and interval depend on your oral health, age, disease risk, symptoms, examination findings, and whether useful prior images are available. Our doctors recommend an image when it is expected to add clinically important information instead of applying a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Are dental X-rays safe if I am pregnant or may be pregnant?
Tell us before imaging if you are pregnant or might be pregnant. Our doctors can consider whether the image is needed now, whether an alternative or postponement is reasonable, and the applicable safety requirements. The team weighs urgent diagnostic needs differently from routine monitoring.
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Here when you need us
A conversation is a good place to begin.
We’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you decide what comes next. Care should feel personal from the first call.
Ask about treatment-specific estimates and payment options after your individual evaluation.
Call (847) 234-8608