Digital Imaging at Sandgate Family Dental

Digital imaging is how we see what is happening below the surface of your teeth and gums. From small intraoral X-rays that show one or two teeth at a time, to full-mouth panoramic images and an intraoral camera that shows you exactly what your dentist is seeing, digital imaging is now a routine part of safe, accurate dental care.

If you have a check-up coming up or a specific concern that needs imaging, you can book an appointment online. The imaging is done at the practice during your visit.

Why imaging is part of routine care

Most dental problems start in places you cannot see — between the teeth, under the gum line, or inside the tooth itself. Imaging helps us:

Find decay between teeth before it reaches the nerve
See the bone level around the teeth, which is important for gum disease assessment
Plan extractions, root canals, and dental implants with a clear picture of root shape and position
Monitor wisdom teeth as they develop
Check the development of adult teeth in children
Track changes in older fillings and crowns over time

The types of digital imaging we use

Digital intraoral X-rays

These are the small films most patients are familiar with. A small sensor is placed in the mouth and captures one or two teeth at a time. They are excellent for picking up early decay between teeth and for checking around the root of a single tooth. Digital sensors are sensitive enough to produce a clear image with a fraction of the radiation older film X-rays used.

Digital bitewing X-rays

Bitewings show the upper and lower back teeth in the same image, which is the most efficient way to check for decay between molars and premolars. We usually take these every one to two years depending on your decay risk and individual situation.

Panoramic (OPG) X-rays

An OPG shows the whole mouth — both jaws, all the teeth, the sinuses, and the jaw joints — in a single image. It is the imaging of choice for wisdom-teeth assessment, orthodontic planning, denture and implant planning, and for getting a general baseline on a new patient. The sensor rotates around the head; you bite gently on a small block and stay still for around 15 seconds.

Intraoral camera

The intraoral camera is a small handheld camera about the size of a pen. It captures live video and still photos of the inside of the mouth, which we display on a screen so you can see what we are seeing. It is particularly useful for explaining a cracked tooth, a worn filling, or a gum issue without you needing to take our word for it.

Cone beam (CBCT) imaging

For more complex implant, root canal, or surgical planning, a 3D scan called a cone beam CT may be appropriate. We refer for these where they are clinically useful — they are not part of a routine check-up.

How digital differs from older film X-rays

Digital sensors capture an image electronically and display it on a screen within seconds. Compared with traditional film, this means:

Lower radiation dose. Digital sensors are significantly more sensitive than film, so we use less radiation for the same diagnostic information.
Faster results. The image appears on the screen straight away — no waiting for chemical developing.
Easier comparison. Images can be enhanced, zoomed in, and placed side-by-side with previous X-rays to spot small changes.
No chemicals. No film, no developer, no fixer — better for the environment as well as the workflow.
Easier to share. If we refer you to a specialist, your images can be sent securely without losing quality.

Safety, radiation, and frequency

Dental X-rays use very low doses of radiation. A small intraoral X-ray exposes you to less radiation than a long-haul flight. We still follow standard precautions:

We only take X-rays when there is a clinical reason
We use lead aprons and thyroid collars where appropriate
We follow the "as low as reasonably achievable" principle for dose
We tailor frequency to your individual risk — not a one-size-fits-all schedule

For most adults with low decay risk and stable gums, bitewing X-rays every one to two years and a full set or OPG every few years is reasonable. We are happy to walk you through why a particular X-ray is being recommended at any visit.

Pregnancy

Non-urgent dental X-rays can usually be deferred during pregnancy. If imaging is clinically necessary, we use additional shielding. Please let us know if you are pregnant or might be — see also our notes on pregnancy and dental care.

How we use imaging during your visit

Imaging is integrated into your appointment rather than being a separate visit. Depending on what is needed, your dentist will:

Take or update bitewings at a check-up if you are due
Take a targeted X-ray of any tooth that is sore, broken, or being assessed for a filling
Take an OPG if a wisdom-teeth review, denture, or implant assessment is being planned
Use the intraoral camera to walk you through what is happening in a particular area

You will usually see your images on the screen during the appointment, and we will explain what you are looking at in plain language.

Sharing your images

If you need to be seen by a specialist or another clinician, we can share your digital images securely so you do not have to repeat X-rays unnecessarily. You can also request a copy of your records — see our patient information pages or speak to reception.

Who imaging may suit

Digital imaging is part of routine dental care for adults and children. It is particularly important when planning larger treatment such as implants or orthodontics, when investigating pain that is not obvious on examination, and when monitoring previous fillings or root canals.

Health funds and payment

Most health funds cover routine bitewings, periapical X-rays, and OPGs under general dental or diagnostic items. We are HICAPS providers and can claim your eligible rebate on the day. The amount you receive depends on your individual policy, your level of cover, and your annual limits — your fund can confirm before your appointment.

Digital imaging FAQs

How often do I need X-rays?

It depends on your decay risk, gum health, and individual situation. For most stable adults, bitewings every one to two years and an OPG every few years is reasonable. We will explain why an X-ray is recommended at the time.

Are dental X-rays safe?

Digital dental X-rays use very low doses of radiation. We only take them when clinically indicated, and we use shielding where appropriate.

Can you avoid X-rays altogether?

For a single check-up where everything looks stable, we may not need new X-rays that visit. However, decay between teeth and bone level changes are not visible on examination alone, so periodic imaging is part of thorough care.

What if I am pregnant?

Non-urgent X-rays can usually wait until after pregnancy. If imaging is clinically necessary, we discuss it with you first and use additional shielding.

Can I see the X-rays myself?

Yes. Digital X-rays appear on the screen during the appointment and your dentist will go through them with you. The intraoral camera also lets you see your own teeth from inside the mouth.

Can my images be sent to another clinician?

Yes. We can share digital images securely with specialists or other dentists so you do not need to repeat imaging unnecessarily.

Do you take 3D scans (CBCT)?

We refer for 3D cone beam scans where they are clinically useful, such as complex implant or root canal planning. They are not part of a routine check-up.

Related information

Book a check-up with imaging

If you are due for a check-up or have a specific concern that needs imaging, our team at Sandgate Family Dental can walk you through what is needed and show you the results on the screen. Book online or phone the practice during business hours.