Diagnostic Imaging
Dental X-rays in Buderim
Digital dental X-rays at Sunny Dental Buderim — including full OPG panoramic scans — reveal what cannot be detected by eye alone, with low radiation and fast same-day results. Clear, accurate imaging is the foundation of good dental care.
Imaging Available at Our Buderim Practice
Digital Bitewing X-rays
Bitewing X-rays capture the crowns of your upper and lower back teeth together in a single image, making them the most effective way to detect decay between teeth — an area impossible to examine visually. Digital sensors give us an instant image on-screen, and the radiation dose is a fraction of older film X-rays.
Digital Periapical X-rays
Periapical X-rays show the entire length of one or more teeth, from crown to root tip, along with the surrounding bone. They are used to investigate pain, check the health of root tips, assess bone loss around teeth, and evaluate the success of root canal treatment.
OPG Panoramic X-rays
An OPG (orthopantomogram) takes a single wide-format image of your entire mouth — all teeth, both jaws, and the jaw joints — in one sweep. It is ideal for assessing wisdom teeth, planning dental implants, evaluating the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and giving a broad overview of oral and jaw health. We have OPG imaging on-site at our King Street, Buderim location.
Low Radiation, High Clarity
Modern digital X-ray technology uses up to 80% less radiation than traditional film-based systems. We follow the ALARA principle — X-rays are only taken when there is a clear clinical reason. Our digital system also means images are available immediately, allowing Dr Louis George or Dr Jeremy Collins to review and discuss your results with you during your appointment.
What X-rays Help Us Find
Hidden Decay
Cavities between teeth or beneath existing restorations are invisible to the naked eye. Bitewing X-rays catch them early — before they cause pain and before they require more involved treatment.
Bone Loss
Gum disease can silently erode the bone that supports your teeth. X-rays reveal the level of bone around each tooth, helping us monitor gum disease and plan treatment before tooth loss occurs.
Wisdom Teeth & Impactions
OPG panoramic X-rays show us where wisdom teeth are sitting, whether they are impacted against adjacent teeth, and whether they need to be monitored or removed. This is particularly relevant for patients in their late teens and twenties.
Root & Nerve Issues
Abscesses, cysts, and infections at the root tips of teeth are often painless in the early stages. Periapical X-rays help us identify these problems before they escalate into dental emergencies.
Implant Planning
Before placing a dental implant, we need to assess the volume and quality of available bone. OPG imaging and targeted periapical X-rays give us the information needed to plan implant placement accurately and safely.
Jaw & TMJ Assessment
For patients experiencing jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty opening their mouth, OPG X-rays provide a broad view of the temporomandibular joints and surrounding structures — a useful starting point for TMJ evaluation.
Serving Buderim and the Broader Sunshine Coast
Sunny Dental Buderim is conveniently located at 2/64 King Street, Buderim — close to Buderim Village shops and accessible from Sippy Downs, Mountain Creek, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Forest Glen, Kuluin, and Palmview. Our on-site digital and OPG imaging means you get complete diagnostic results in a single visit, without needing a referral to an external imaging centre.
We are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm. DVA patients are welcome, and both Dr Louis George and Dr Jeremy Collins have a background serving in the Australian Defence Force — they understand the needs of the veteran community across the Sunshine Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dental X-rays safe?
Modern digital dental X-rays use very low levels of radiation — significantly less than older film-based systems. We follow the ALARA principle and only take X-rays when there is a clear clinical reason to do so. Lead aprons are available for any patient who would like additional peace of mind.
What is an OPG panoramic X-ray?
An OPG (orthopantomogram) is a single wide-format X-ray that captures your entire mouth — all teeth, both jaws, the jaw joints, and surrounding bone — in one image. It is taken right here at our Buderim practice using our on-site OPG unit, so there is no need for a separate referral or visit to an imaging centre.
How often do I need dental X-rays?
The right frequency depends on your individual oral health history and risk factors. Some patients benefit from annual bitewing X-rays to detect between-tooth decay early, while others may need them less frequently. Dr Louis George and Dr Jeremy Collins will recommend a schedule that is clinically appropriate for you — never a one-size-fits-all approach.
Can I have X-rays if I am pregnant?
Routine X-rays are generally deferred during pregnancy unless there is an urgent clinical need. If an X-ray is clinically necessary, we use a lead apron and thyroid collar. Please let our team know if you are pregnant or think you may be — we will always discuss the situation with you before proceeding.
Do I need X-rays at every check-up?
Not necessarily. Whether X-rays are taken at a given visit depends on what the dentist finds during the clinical examination, your personal history, and how long it has been since your last set. We will only take X-rays when they will genuinely help us provide better care for you.
Does Medicare or private health cover dental X-rays?
Medicare generally does not cover routine dental X-rays, though the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) covers eligible children. If you have private health insurance with dental cover, X-rays are typically partially or fully covered depending on your policy and level of cover. We recommend checking with your insurer. Our team is happy to provide a treatment estimate before proceeding.
Book Your Dental Appointment in Buderim
On-site digital and OPG X-rays at Sunny Dental Buderim mean faster diagnosis and fewer trips. Call us or book online — we are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm and welcome patients from across the Sunshine Coast.
Ready to Put Yourself First?
Whether it’s been months or years since your last visit, there’s no better time to start than now. Dr Louis and Dr Jeremy are here.