Precise diagnosis starts with the right technology — digital X-rays and 3D panoramic scanning available in-house at our Forest Hills office, so nothing gets missed.
What Our Forest Hills Patients Say
Our General Dentistry Services
Accurate treatment starts with accurate imaging. At Madison Dental Art, we have invested in the same diagnostic equipment used by specialty practices — so our Forest Hills patients get specialist-level diagnosis without leaving their neighborhood.
ORTHOPHOS XG 3D Panoramic Scanner
The ORTHOPHOS XG 3D is one of the most advanced and widely used dental imaging units in the world. It captures a complete three-dimensional view of your teeth, jawbone, sinuses, nerve pathways, and surrounding structures in a single, low-radiation scan. Unlike traditional X-rays that show a flat, two-dimensional image, the ORTHOPHOS XG gives our dentists a full picture of what's happening beneath the surface — including bone density, root positions, and anatomy that would otherwise be invisible until a problem is already advanced.
Digital Dental X-Rays
Digital X-rays have replaced traditional film X-rays as the standard of care in modern dentistry — and for good reason. They produce clearer, higher-resolution images in seconds, with up to 80% less radiation than conventional film X-rays. The images are immediately available on screen, which means our dentists can review them with you during your appointment, zoom in on areas of concern, and compare them to previous visits to track changes over time. At Madison Dental Art, digital X-rays are part of every comprehensive exam. We take them only when clinically indicated — not on a fixed schedule regardless of need — and we use them to detect cavities between teeth, monitor bone levels, evaluate root health, and catch early signs of infection or structural change before they become serious problems.
Intraoral Camera
An intraoral camera is a small, pen-sized device that captures detailed, high-resolution photos of the inside of your mouth — including areas that are difficult to see with the naked eye, like the back molars, below the gumline, and between teeth. The images are displayed on a screen in real time so you can see exactly what we see: a crack in a molar, an area of early decay, the margin of an existing crown that needs attention. Intraoral cameras don't replace X-rays, but they add an important visual layer to your exam — and they make it much easier for patients to understand what's happening in their own mouth and why a particular treatment is being recommended.
When Is Dental Imaging Needed?
Imaging is part of routine dental care — but certain situations call for more detailed or more frequent imaging than others. You may need dental imaging if:
- It’s time for your annual or biannual dental checkup and updated X-rays are due
- You’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling with no obvious visible cause
- You’re being evaluated for a dental implant and bone structure needs to be assessed
- Your dentist has identified a potential cavity, cracked tooth, or failing restoration
- You’re beginning orthodontic treatment and a full jaw evaluation is needed
- You have a history of gum disease and bone levels need to be monitored
- A wisdom tooth evaluation is needed before extraction planning
Imaging is how we find what we can’t see. Call (718) 268-8228 to schedule your exam.
Why Forest Hills Patients Choose Madison Dental Art for Dental Imaging
- ORTHOPHOS XG 3D in-house — One of very few general dental practices in Forest Hills with this level of 3D imaging technology on-site. No referrals to external imaging centers for most diagnostic needs.
- Lower radiation, higher clarity — Our digital X-ray system uses up to 80% less radiation than conventional film while producing sharper, more detailed images that we can review with you immediately.
- Everything under one roof — Imaging, diagnosis, and treatment happen at the same location, with the same team. No lost referrals, no coordination delays, no having to start from scratch with a new provider.
- Transparent findings — We show you your X-rays and 3D scans during your appointment and explain what we see in plain language. You understand your own oral health before you leave.
- 30+ years of diagnostic experience — Dr. Alexander Chao and our team have been reading and acting on dental imaging for over three decades. Technology only matters when combined with the clinical experience to interpret it correctly.
- No referral needed — New patients welcome from Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, Jackson Heights, Jamaica, and throughout Queens.
Digital X-Ray or 3D Panoramic Scan? Here's the Difference
Both are part of modern dental care — but they serve different purposes and are used in different situations.
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays are the standard diagnostic tool for routine dental care. There are two main types: bitewing X-rays, which show the upper and lower back teeth together and are used primarily to detect cavities between teeth; and periapical X-rays, which show the full length of a tooth from crown to root tip and are used to evaluate root health, bone levels, and infections. Digital X-rays are fast, low-radiation, and sufficient for the vast majority of routine diagnostic needs. Most patients have them taken once a year as part of their regular checkup.
**When digital X-rays are used:** Routine checkups, cavity detection, monitoring a known issue, evaluating a single tooth or small area.
3D Panoramic Scan (ORTHOPHOS XG)
A 3D panoramic scan captures the entire mouth, jaw, and surrounding structures in a single three-dimensional image. It shows things that flat X-rays simply cannot — bone volume and density, the precise angle and depth of roots, the exact position of nerves, sinus proximity, and structural relationships between teeth. This level of detail is essential for certain procedures where precision is critical and where unexpected anatomy could affect the outcome.
When 3D imaging is used: Dental implant planning, wisdom tooth evaluation, complex oral surgery, full periodontal bone assessment, orthodontic treatment planning, diagnosing jaw joint (TMJ) issues, or any case where a more complete anatomical picture is needed.
In many cases, a patient’s initial evaluation will include standard digital X-rays. If we identify a situation that requires deeper investigation — or if we’re planning a procedure where 3D precision matters — we’ll recommend a panoramic scan and explain exactly why it’s needed.
Your Imaging Appointment: What to Expect
Dental imaging appointments are quick, painless, and require no preparation. Here’s what a typical visit looks like.
Step 1 — Check-In & Health History
If it’s your first visit, we’ll update your health history — including any conditions or medications that may be relevant to imaging decisions or radiation precautions.
Step 2 — Imaging (2–10 Minutes)
Digital X-rays take seconds per image. A full set of bitewing and periapical X-rays is typically complete in under 5 minutes. A 3D panoramic scan with the ORTHOPHOS XG takes approximately 14 seconds of exposure time — you simply stand still while the unit rotates around your head.
Step 3 — Immediate Review
Images are available on screen within seconds. Dr. Chao or one of our dentists reviews the findings with you immediately — pointing out areas of concern, explaining what’s normal, and answering your questions in real time.
Step 4 — Treatment Planning (If Needed)
If imaging reveals something that needs attention, we’ll explain your options clearly and map out next steps. If everything looks healthy, you leave with the peace of mind that comes from actually knowing — not guessin
Dental Insurance Accepted
We work with most major dental insurance plans, including:
Not sure if your plan is covered? Contact us here — our team will verify your benefits before your visit, at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Imaging
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes. Digital X-rays use very low levels of radiation — equivalent to a fraction of the natural background radiation you’re exposed to on any given day. We use lead aprons as a precautionary measure and take X-rays only when clinically indicated, not on a fixed schedule regardless of need. For pregnant patients, we follow additional precautions and discuss timing with you before any imaging.
How often do I need dental X-rays?
For most adults with good oral health, a full set of bitewing X-rays once a year and a panoramic scan every 3–5 years is standard. Patients with a history of gum disease, frequent cavities, or active dental treatment may need more frequent imaging. We determine the appropriate frequency based on your individual health history — not a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Does the 3D panoramic scan hurt?
Not at all. You stand in front of the ORTHOPHOS XG unit, bite gently on a positioning guide, and stay still for about 14 seconds while the arm rotates around your head. There is no discomfort involved. The entire process from entering the room to receiving your images takes under five minutes.
Why do you need a 3D scan before placing a dental implant?
Implant placement requires precise knowledge of bone depth, width, density, and the exact location of nerves and sinus cavities. Placing an implant without this information increases the risk of nerve damage, sinus perforation, or implant failure. A 3D scan gives us a complete map of your anatomy so we can plan the exact position, angle, and depth of the implant before we begin — significantly improving safety and long-term outcomes.
I had X-rays at another dentist recently. Do I need new ones at Madison Dental Art?
Not necessarily. If you can bring recent X-rays from your previous dentist, we’ll review them. If they’re current and of sufficient quality, we may not need to take new ones right away. We’ll let you know at your first appointment what, if anything, additional imaging would add to your care.
Is the radiation from dental X-rays something I should be concerned about?
The radiation dose from a full set of digital dental X-rays is very small — significantly less than a chest X-ray, and comparable to a few hours of natural background radiation. The diagnostic benefit of catching a cavity early, detecting bone loss before it becomes severe, or identifying an infection before it spreads far outweighs the minimal radiation exposure involved. We take only what’s clinically necessary.
Schedule Your Dental Imaging Appointment in Forest Hills
Whether you’re due for a routine exam, need a second opinion on a complex case, or are preparing for an implant or surgical procedure — accurate imaging is the first step. At Madison Dental Art, that technology is right here in Forest Hills.
📍 Madison Dental Art 112-03 Queens Boulevard, Suite 211 Forest Hills, NY 11375
📞 (718) 268-8228 | (718) 268-1281 ✉️ madisondentalny@gmail.com
🕐 Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY
At Madison Dental Art, we’re committed to your dental health. If you haven’t had a dental checkup in a while, now is the perfect time to schedule one. Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a big problem. Take proactive steps to protect your smile and your overall well-being.