Who this service may help
Patients in Cornwall with symptoms, changes, or questions related to digital x-rays may benefit from an assessment. Your dentist will review your oral health and recommend care based on your individual needs.
Common reasons patients seek this service
- Find decay and abnormalities between teeth and below the gum line
- Monitor the effects of periodontal (gum) conditions
- Monitor your jawbone and tooth positions
- Watch areas of concern before they become problems
- Detect growths or abnormalities in the jawbone
What your appointment may involve
Your visit begins with a review of your concerns and health history, followed by an examination and any diagnostic records your dentist considers appropriate. Findings, treatment options, likely steps, and alternatives are explained before care proceeds.
Digital X-rays
Instead of traditional film, digital X-rays use electronic sensors that capture images instantly for viewing on screen — with extremely low radiation compared to film, and no chemical film processing. Digital X-rays let us:
- Find decay and abnormalities between teeth and below the gum line
- Monitor the effects of periodontal (gum) conditions
- Monitor your jawbone and tooth positions
- Watch areas of concern before they become problems
- Detect growths or abnormalities in the jawbone
- See a complete picture of your teeth in relation to each other
Digital panoramic X-rays
A panoramic X-ray captures the entire mouth — teeth, upper and lower jaws, and surrounding structures — in a single scan as the machine rotates around your head. It shows the location of major nerves, sinuses, developing teeth, and pathologies, and is particularly useful for spotting impacted teeth, jaw tumours, and bone abnormalities.
We recommend a panoramic X-ray for all new patients (unless a recent one is available from your previous office) to establish a baseline, then every 5–8 years depending on your situation.
Intraoral camera
An intraoral camera is a small camera with a built-in light that captures high-quality images inside your mouth — zooming in on a single tooth at up to 25× magnification or giving you a video tour of your whole mouth on the monitor. It reveals worn or broken fillings, cracked teeth, plaque deposits, cavities next to fillings, and excessive wear that can be difficult to see otherwise.
Seeing your own teeth on screen helps you understand your dental condition, and images can be printed for you or shared with other dental professionals if a referral is needed.
Why choose York Street Dental Centre
Our Cornwall dental team focuses on clear communication, conservative recommendations, and care planned around your oral health. We explain what we find, answer questions, and discuss appropriate alternatives so you can make an informed decision.
Frequently asked questions
Are digital X-rays safe?
Digital X-rays use lower radiation doses than many traditional film systems. Your dentist recommends X-rays only when they are appropriate for diagnosis or monitoring.
What is a panoramic X-ray for?
It captures your entire mouth and jaw in one scan, helping diagnose impacted teeth, jaw abnormalities, and more. New patients typically have one to establish a baseline.
Why does the dentist use a camera in my mouth?
The intraoral camera magnifies up to 25×, revealing cracks, worn fillings, and early cavities — and lets you see exactly what we see.
Are new patients welcome?
Yes. York Street Dental Centre welcomes new patients of all ages for family, preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental care.
Dental information on this page is general and does not replace an examination, diagnosis, or personalized treatment recommendation. Treatment recommendations vary according to individual needs.