Digital X-Rays

Digital X-Rays

It’s almost impossible to imagine the practice of dentistry without x-ray technology.

Radiographs (x-ray pictures) allow dentists to diagnose and treat problems not yet visible to the naked eye, including early tooth decay, gum disease, abscesses and abnormal growths. There is no question that since x-rays first became available a century ago, this diagnostic tool has prevented untold suffering and saved countless teeth. Now, state-of-the-art digital x-rays have made the technology even safer and more beneficial.

Digital x-ray technology uses a small electronic sensor placed in the mouth to capture an image, which can be called up instantly on a computer screen. When digital x-rays first became available about 20 years ago, they immediately offered a host of advantages over traditional x-ray films, which require chemical processing. Most importantly, they cut the amount of radiation exposure to the dental patient by as much as 90%. While faster x-ray films have been developed over the years that require less exposure, making that difference less dramatic, a digital x-ray still offers the lowest radiation dose possible.

Advantages of Digital X-Rays

Besides minimizing radiation exposure, digital x-rays offer numerous advantages to dentists and patients alike. These include:

No chemical processing & no waiting. Because there is no film to process with digital x-rays, there is no waiting for pictures to develop — and no toxic chemicals to dispose of. Your dentist can immediately show you the pictures on a computer screen for easy viewing.
A clearer picture. It’s possible to get more information from digital x-rays because they are sharper and can be enhanced in a number of ways. The contrast can be increased or decreased, and areas of concern can be magnified. It’s even possible to compare them on-screen to your previous x-rays, making even the minutest changes to your tooth structure easier to detect.
Easy sharing and storage. Digital x-rays provide a better visual aide for you, the patient, to understand your diagnosis and treatment options. They can be e-mailed to different locations; they are also far less likely to be misplaced.

X-Rays and Your Safety

While digital technology has minimized the health risks of x-rays, it has not entirely eliminated it. X-rays are a type of radiation used to penetrate the tissues of the body to create an image. In doing so, there is always a slight possibility of causing changes at the cellular level that might lead to future disease. Of course, there are sources of radiation present in the daily environment — the sun, for example — that can also cause disease. It’s important to note that the chance of this happening is thought to be cumulative and not based on a single exposure. Still, x-rays are not considered risk-free regardless of how technology reduces your exposure. That’s why dentists will only use them when the benefit of obtaining better diagnostic information outweighs the procedure’s small risk. This is particularly true of computed tomography or CT scans, which can raise the level of exposure, yet yield a tremendous amount of information per scan. No matter which technology is being used, each case is considered individually, and your safety is always paramount. If you have questions about why an x-ray is being recommended for you, please feel free to ask.

Testimonials

My Children have been going to Dulwich Dental Office for years . It’s always a pleasant experience for them every one is always nice and friendly from the reception staff to the dentist.

Friendly staff and a very good turn around for appointments , next step to meet the hygienist if he’s as lovely as the rest of the staff it will be great

Wendy D.

Dr Xavier is the best orthodontist I have ever come across in London. From children to adults, he has incredible success. Myself and my wife had treatment with him and our smiles are banging! He used invisalign on us. It was so easy!

Had a tooth out which is never fun, but he was great, never even needed pain killers afterwards

Vince A.

Everyone at Dulwich Dental office is lovely, from the friendly and welcoming reception staff, right to dentist and hygienist. They do a great job, and have always made me feel comfortable, while helping me keep my teeth in good shape. I recently tried the Airflow treatment during hygienist visit and wow, totally worth it! Thanks, dental team!

Great service! Im usually so nervous when coming in to the dentist but my dentist was so pleasant and polite ! Dulwich Dental Office will definitely be my dentist for life

Tomike O.

I lost my two front teeth whilst at school and had complications for years. Unfortunately I ended up needing an implant – which I had been avoiding! I wish I had done it sooner. Dr Patel was fantastic and guided me through each stage. He was always contactable to answer any queries or concerns. Very happy with the end result and would reccomend.

Tom O.

Fantastic specialist treatment – I was heading towards eventual tooth loss, Aaron the hygienist helped me with a treatment plan and my teeth bones have regrown by 2mm and I no longer have bleeding, a remarkable turnaround in 6 months! Thank you so much. Lovely reception staff too. Thanks!

Registered and seen on the NHS within 2 weeks – amazing. Really friendly staff, would definitely recommend

Tom C.

Just seen Dr.Ho for some severe molar sensitivity i was having . I wasn’t managing to drink or eat anything very hot or cold. He did a thorough assessment like always and undertook a T scan and adjustments to bite and within half an hour my sensitivity was essentially gone!! Great service like always

Lovely staff on front desk, always welcoming and friendly, dentists are also amazing and professional- 10/10 experience every time!

A great surgery; Dr Cavan in particular spent time with me to make sure my new night guards fitted well and were up to the job

We Have You Covered

Dulwich Dental Office has built an excellent reputation for delivering professional dental care to NHS and private patients throughout London. From routine preventative dentistry to advanced cosmetic and restorative treatments, we provide comprehensive solutions designed to keep your smile healthy for years to come. Whether you require a check-up in Peckham, a filling in New Cross, veneers in Deptford, Invisalign in Canary Wharf, or dental implants in Marylebone, our experienced London dentists are committed to providing the highest standards of care.

Our modern dental clinic combines advanced equipment with a patient-focused approach, ensuring every visit is comfortable and stress-free. We offer a wide selection of treatments including routine examinations, hygiene services, fillings, crowns, bridges, composite bonding, porcelain veneers, orthodontics, Invisalign aligners, teeth whitening, prosthodontics, bone grafting and dental implant treatment.

Patients travel from Rotherhithe, Lewisham, Catford, Ladywell and Crofton Park because they know they’ll receive honest advice, tailored treatment plans and exceptional clinical care. We believe prevention is just as important as treatment, helping patients maintain healthy teeth and gums through regular dental care and education.

Whether you’re visiting for your first appointment or continuing your dental journey with us, Dulwich Dental Office is committed to helping you smile with confidence. Get in touch with our friendly team today to book your consultation.