How can I deal with being nervous about going to the dentist?

Many people worry about going to the dentist. To help feel less nervous, talk about your fears with your dentist, ask about what procedures will happen, schedule appointments when you're not rushed, use relaxation techniques, and don't be afraid to switch dentists if needed. Your dentist can work with you to make your visit more comfortable.

What if I don't have dental insurance?

No insurance? No problem. We offer competitive self-pay rates and flexible payment options. Ask about our new patient specials and financing through CareCredit to make dental care affordable.

Do you accept Medicaid?

Dr. O'Donnell is not a Medicaid provider and cannot see patients insured by Medicaid or Medicaid products. However, we do accept most major dental insurance plans and offer flexible payment options including CareCredit financing. Please contact our office at 434-385-8888 to verify your specific insurance coverage.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring a valid photo ID, insurance card (if applicable), list of any medications you're currently taking, and recent dental X-rays from another office (if available). Arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete paperwork.

What happens during a new patient exam?

Your first visit includes a comprehensive oral exam, digital X-rays, and a cleaning (if time permits). Dr. O'Donnell will discuss any findings with you and create a personalized treatment plan. Most new patient appointments take about an hour.

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Absolutely! You're welcome to bring a family member or friend for support. They can accompany you into the treatment room if that helps you feel more comfortable.

Do you see emergency patients?

Yes! We see dental emergencies the same day, including Saturdays. If you have a toothache, broken tooth, or other urgent issue, call 434-385-8888 right away and we'll get you in as quickly as possible.

What counts as a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies include severe tooth pain, knocked-out teeth, broken or cracked teeth, lost fillings or crowns, swelling or infection, and bleeding that won't stop. When in doubt, call us—we're here to help.

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Dental X-Rays in Lynchburg, VA

Not every dental problem is visible to the naked eye. At O’Donnell Dentistry in Lynchburg, VA, we use digital dental X-rays to see what’s happening beneath the surface — catching cavities, infections, bone loss, and other issues before they become bigger problems. Digital X-rays are fast, comfortable, and use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays.

Why Are Dental X-Rays Important?

A visual exam can only tell Dr. O’Donnell so much. Dental X-rays reveal problems that are hidden between teeth, under existing restorations, or deep within the jawbone. Without X-rays, many conditions would go undetected until they cause pain or require more complex treatment.

X-rays help Dr. O’Donnell detect:

Cavities between teeth or underneath existing fillings and crowns
Infections or abscesses at the root of a tooth
Bone loss caused by gum disease
Impacted or unerupted teeth, including wisdom teeth
Cysts, tumors, or other abnormalities in the jaw
The position and development of teeth in children
The health of bone surrounding dental implants

X-rays are a critical part of preventive dentistry — they allow us to catch problems early when treatment is simpler, less invasive, and more affordable.

Types of Dental X-Rays

Bitewing X-Rays

The most common type taken during routine checkups. Bitewings capture the upper and lower back teeth in a single image and are used to detect cavities between teeth, check the fit of existing restorations, and monitor bone levels. Most patients receive bitewing X-rays once a year.

Periapical X-Rays

A periapical X-ray shows the entire tooth — from the crown to the tip of the root and the surrounding bone. These are used to diagnose infections, abscesses, root fractures, and other issues affecting a specific tooth. They’re commonly taken when you’re experiencing pain or when Dr. O’Donnell needs a closer look at a particular area.

Panoramic X-Rays

A panoramic X-ray captures your entire mouth — all teeth, both jaws, and surrounding structures — in a single image. This type of X-ray is useful for evaluating wisdom teeth, planning implant placement, assessing orthodontic needs, and getting an overall picture of your oral health. Panoramic X-rays are typically taken every 3 to 5 years or as needed.

Digital X-Rays vs. Traditional Film

Our office uses digital X-ray technology, which offers several advantages over traditional film:

Lower radiation: Digital X-rays use up to 80% less radiation than conventional film X-rays.
Instant results: Images appear on screen within seconds — no waiting for film to develop.
Enhanced detail: Digital images can be enlarged, adjusted for contrast, and enhanced for a clearer view, helping Dr. O’Donnell make more accurate diagnoses.
Environmentally friendly: No chemicals or film waste are needed for processing.
Easy sharing: Digital images can be securely shared with specialists or insurance companies when needed.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Yes. Digital dental X-rays expose you to an extremely small amount of radiation — far less than you’d encounter during everyday activities. To put it in perspective:

A single dental X-ray exposes you to roughly the same amount of radiation as a few minutes of natural background exposure from the sun and soil
A full set of dental X-rays produces less radiation than a short domestic flight
Digital X-rays reduce exposure by up to 80% compared to traditional film

We also take additional precautions, including the use of lead aprons and thyroid collars, to minimize exposure. Dr. O’Donnell only recommends X-rays when they are clinically necessary — never on a routine-only basis.

How Often Do I Need Dental X-Rays?

The frequency of X-rays depends on your individual oral health, risk factors, and history. General guidelines include:

Low-risk adults: Bitewing X-rays every 12 to 24 months, with a panoramic X-ray every 3 to 5 years.
Higher-risk patients: If you have a history of cavities, gum disease, or other concerns, X-rays may be recommended more frequently.
New patients: A full set or panoramic X-ray is typically taken at your first visit to establish a baseline for your oral health.
Children: X-rays may be taken more frequently to monitor developing teeth and jaw growth. Learn more about our pediatric dental services.

Dr. O’Donnell evaluates your needs individually and will never recommend X-rays unless there’s a clear clinical benefit.

X-Rays During Pregnancy

Dental X-rays are generally considered safe during pregnancy, especially with digital technology and protective lead shielding. However, many dentists — including Dr. O’Donnell — prefer to postpone routine X-rays until after delivery unless they’re needed to diagnose an urgent problem like an infection or severe pain. If you’re pregnant or think you might be, let us know and we’ll adjust your care plan accordingly.

X-Rays for Children

Dental X-rays play an important role in monitoring your child’s dental development. They help Dr. O’Donnell:

Check for cavities in areas that are hard to see visually, especially between baby teeth
Monitor the development and position of permanent teeth below the gum line
Identify potential orthodontic issues early
Detect any abnormalities in the jaw or bone

We use the lowest possible radiation settings for pediatric patients and only take X-rays when clinically necessary. Learn more about our kids dental cleanings and kids dental exams.

Why Choose O’Donnell Dentistry?

Modern digital technology: Low-radiation digital X-rays with instant, high-resolution results.
Conservative approach: We only take X-rays when there’s a clear clinical reason — never on autopilot.
Comprehensive diagnostics: X-rays are part of a thorough preventive care approach that includes exams, cleanings, and oral cancer screenings.
Family-friendly: We serve patients of all ages, from toddlers to seniors, with gentle, personalized care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental X-Rays

Are dental X-rays safe?

Yes. Digital dental X-rays use a very small amount of radiation — up to 80% less than traditional film. We use lead aprons and thyroid collars for additional protection, and Dr. O’Donnell only recommends X-rays when clinically necessary.

How often do I need dental X-rays?

It depends on your individual needs. Most adults with good oral health need bitewing X-rays every 12 to 24 months. Patients with a higher risk of cavities or gum disease may need them more frequently. Dr. O’Donnell will recommend a schedule based on your specific situation.

Are dental X-rays safe during pregnancy?

Digital X-rays with lead shielding are considered safe during pregnancy. However, we typically postpone routine X-rays until after delivery unless they’re needed to diagnose an urgent issue. Always let us know if you’re pregnant or may be pregnant.

Do dental X-rays hurt?

Not at all. The sensor is placed inside your mouth for just a few seconds while the image is captured. Some patients find the sensor slightly uncomfortable to bite on, but it’s quick and painless.

What can dental X-rays detect?

X-rays can reveal cavities between teeth, infections at the root, bone loss from gum disease, impacted teeth, cysts, and other conditions that aren’t visible during a regular exam. They’re an essential diagnostic tool for catching problems early.

Financing Options

Dental X-rays are typically covered by dental insurance as part of preventive care. For patients without insurance, our office accepts major credit cards and offers CareCredit financing for convenient monthly payments.

Learn more on our Financing & Payment Options page.

Schedule Your Appointment

Due for a checkup? Call O’Donnell Dentistry at (434) 385-8888 or request an appointment online to schedule your exam and X-rays.