Serving patients across the Loop, Millennium Park, River North, and downtown Chicago.
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What are digital X-rays?

Digital X-rays use a small electronic sensor instead of film to capture detailed images of your teeth, roots, and jawbone, with far less radiation than traditional X-rays. At Dentistry at Millennium Park, they help us spot problems like hidden cavities and bone loss early, and the images appear on screen instantly, right here in Chicago's Loop.

How Digital X-Rays Work

Digital X-rays, also called digital radiography, are a modern alternative to traditional film X-rays. Instead of film, we use a small electronic sensor that captures images of your teeth, roots, gums, and jawbone and sends them straight to a screen in seconds.

They show us what a visual exam can't: the areas between teeth, beneath existing fillings, below the gumline, and inside the bone. That clearer picture helps us catch problems early, when they're easier and gentler to treat.

Best of all, digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than the film X-rays many of us remember, and there are no chemicals or waiting for film to develop. It's a faster, safer, more comfortable experience.

A detailed digital dental X-ray image on screen
A detailed digital dental X-ray image on screen
Dentistry at Millennium Park
A digital X-ray sensor capturing an instant image in Chicago

Why We Take Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays are an important part of thorough, preventive care. We use them to:

  • See what isn't visible during a regular exam
  • Catch issues like cavities and bone loss early, before they cause symptoms
  • Plan treatment accurately and conservatively
  • Track your oral health over time

Note: We take X-rays based on your individual needs, often at your first visit and periodically after that, not necessarily at every appointment.

What Digital X-Rays Can Reveal

A digital X-ray can help us spot:

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Cavities between teeth or under existing fillings

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Decay that isn't visible to the eye

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Bone loss linked to gum disease

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Infections or abscesses at the root of a tooth

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Impacted or extra teeth

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Cysts or other abnormalities in the bone

Digital X-Rays Near Millennium Park, Chicago

Our practice is on the 18th floor at 8 S Michigan Ave, steps from Millennium Park and the heart of the Loop, where modern digital imaging is part of the comfortable, thorough care we provide.

We welcome patients from across downtown Chicago, including the Loop, River North, South Loop, and West Loop, with convenient access by CTA, Metra at Millennium Station, and nearby parking.

Chicago's Loop near Millennium Park

Benefits of Digital X-Rays

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Less radiation

Significantly lower exposure than traditional film X-rays.

02

Instant images

Results appear on screen in seconds — no waiting.

03

Clearer detail

Images can be enlarged for a more precise diagnosis.

04

Eco-friendly

No film and no processing chemicals.

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Easy to share

Simple to store and send to a specialist if needed.

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Comfortable and quick

A fast, painless part of your visit.

What to Expect

Taking digital X-rays is quick, simple, and painless.

Safety note: We use a lead apron and thyroid collar and follow careful safety practices to keep your exposure as low as possible. Our comfort menu is always available too.

Chicago skyline

Are Dental X-Rays Covered?

Dental X-rays are part of diagnostic care, and dental insurance commonly covers necessary X-rays, often alongside your exam. We're in-network with most major PPOs and will review your specific benefits with you.

Our in-house membership plan includes your X-rays as part of your covered care, and we offer financing through CareCredit and Cherry for any treatment beyond routine visits.

A consultation about veneers at Dentistry at Millennium Park

Are Digital X-Rays Safe?

Yes. Digital X-rays use very low levels of radiation, significantly less than traditional film X-rays and a small amount compared with many everyday sources of exposure. They're considered very safe for routine dental care.

We take your safety seriously. We follow the principle of using as little radiation as reasonably possible, protect you with a lead apron and thyroid collar, and only take X-rays when they're genuinely useful for your care rather than on fixed schedule. If you are or might be pregnant, let us know so we can take extra precautions.

Why Choose Dentistry at Millennium Park?

Modern technology lets us provide more accurate, more comfortable, and more conservative care. Our low-radiation digital X-rays mean clearer answers with minimal exposure, and we always take the time to show you what we see and explain why it matters.

As a proudly woman-owned, all-female practice in the heart of the Loop, led by a woman of color, we pair modern dentistry with genuine, personal care.

Dr. Nanditha A. Ranganathan, DDS, Founder and Lead Dentist

Reviewed by Dr. Nanditha A. Ranganathan, DDS

Founder & Lead Dentist, Dentistry at Millennium Park. 

Last updated: June 2026

Meet Dr. Ranganathan
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. They use very low levels of radiation, significantly less than traditional film X-rays and a small amount compared with everyday exposure. We also use a lead apron and thyroid collar and take X-rays only when they're useful for your care.

Digital X-rays use far less radiation, appear on screen instantly instead of needing to be developed, can be enlarged for a clearer diagnosis, and use no processing chemicals. They're a faster, safer, more comfortable update to film.

It depends on your individual needs and risk factors. Many patients have them at their first visit and then periodically — not at every appointment. We'll recommend what's right for you.

Usually, yes, since they're part of diagnostic care, often covered alongside your exam. Our membership plan includes X-rays, and we're in-network with most major PPOs. We'll review your benefits with you.

Not at all. Taking them is quick and completely painless, you simply hold still for a moment while we capture the image.

At our office on the 18th floor of 8 S Michigan Ave, steps from Millennium Park and the Loop. We welcome patients from across downtown Chicago. Call or text (224) 249-5977 or book online.

Due for a Checkup?

Modern digital X-rays are a quick, low-radiation way to keep your smile healthy and catch problems early. Call or text us at (224) 249-5977 or book online, and we'll take great care of you.

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We are taking new patients in Chicago! We offer a wide range of dentistry services, including regular dental cleanings and check-ups, fillings and crowns.

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