Digital X-Rays
Dental x-rays are an important tool to help diagnose dental problems not visible to the naked eye. Dr Langrell-Read is able to assess and monitor a number of dental conditions including dental decay, diseases of the bone supporting the teeth (e.g periodontitis / dental abscesses / other dental pathologies affecting the jaw bone), to monitor the development and position of the teeth over time including the diagnosis of impacted teeth including impacted wisdom teeth, and to monitor previous dental repairs such as fillings, crowns, root canal fillings, and dental implants.
At Newmarket Family Dental Care we use Digital Radiography – The physical process for digital radiography is similar to the traditional dental film x-ray process – however with Digital Radiography we insert a digital plate into your mouth to capture the images of your teeth and other oral structures – or we have you stand in a scanning x-ray called an orthopantomogram (Panorex) to get a complete image of your jaw. When more complex diagnosis is required as in the case of Implant treatment planning or assessing dental trauma a Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) Scan will be recommended to provide the appropriate diagnostic information.
The new technology allows us to assess and monitor the progression of dental problems in a consistent and predictable manner over a number of years.

Benefits of Digital X-rays
- The standard size of traditional X-rays can make viewing difficult. Digital x-rays use small sensors or plates similar to the traditional “Wet-film” x-rays. Dr Carolyn Langrell-Read has selected the Phosphoric-Plate system for the In-mouth dental x-rays. The x-ray plates are of variable size making the process more comfortable for the patient.
- Instant Images: Digital x-rays provide images to the computer monitor in as little as 30 seconds. No longer do you have to wait while the film is processed - the images is available to aid in diagnosis almost instantly providing obvious advantage to the dentist assisting with diagnosis while at the same time reducing your time in the dental chair.
- Digital x-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional “wet-film” x-rays - In fact, digital x-rays use up to 90 percent less radiation than film x-rays.
- While conventional film x-rays are relatively safe, digital radiography is an excellent alternative to providing the same benefit to you at a fraction of the radiation dosage. This new technology allows us to assess and monitor the progression of dental problems in a consistent manner over a number of years using a fraction of the radiation dose.
- The techniques for taking the x-rays are standardised with respect to the use of dental x-ray plate holders and radiation dose – No longer do the x-ray have inconsistencies of traditional films x-ray techniques such as variation in the processing time, concentration and temperature of the chemicals.
- Digital x-rays provide consistently high quality images. Once processed to the computer monitor, digital x-rays can be magnified for a better view of the tooth or bone structures. Brightness contrast and colour can be adjusted allowing for better diagnosis of small cavities. This is particularly important in the field of Minimally Invasive Dentistry where diagnosis and monitoring of early dental disease is a key component of optimal patient care.
- Digital x-rays can are easily formatted to share with other practitioners – whether it is a specialist referral, a second opinion or the transferring of your dental records to a new dentist. This is easily achieved with the use of digital x-rays. Digital x-rays can be printed out – however there is loss of some of the diagnostic clarity of the image – We prefer to share your images in digital format via email when required.
- Digital x-rays are environmentally friendly – No plastic films or chemicals to dispose
