Technology at Dentist @ Westleigh

The equipment in our Westleigh practice is here to do one thing: help our dentists see your teeth and mouth clearly, so the care we talk through with you is based on a full picture. Below is a plain-language look at what we use and how each piece fits into your visit.

Digital dental x-rays (radiographs)

We use modern digital dental x-rays to capture an image of your teeth and mouth and view it straight away. From there our dentists can look at what's going on and talk through any treatment with you. If you're a new patient, you'll usually have x-rays taken so we have a clear starting point, particularly if you don't have recent images from a previous dentist.

Periapical radiography

A periapical x-ray shows a whole tooth, from the crown down to the tip of the root. Our dentists use it to look closely at decay, the gums, the bone around a tooth, and anything else worth a closer look in that area.

[GEN-XRAY02] Gendex 765 DC Intra-Oral Xray.jpg

OPG (orthopantomogram)

The OPG machine takes a 2D panoramic x-ray of your upper and lower jaw in a single image. Because it captures the whole arch in one view, our dentists can look at all of your teeth at once, including any that haven't yet come through the gum, along with their number, position and development.

CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography)

Cone-beam CT is a type of x-ray used when a standard dental or facial x-ray doesn't show enough. It produces a three-dimensional image of your teeth, soft tissue, nerve pathways and bone from a single scan, which our dentists can use when they're planning more involved treatment such as implants. During the scan, the arm of the machine moves around your head in one rotation while it captures the images that are combined into the 3D view. The scan needs little to no preparation, and you can carry on with your day once it's done.

Intraoral camera

The intraoral camera is a small camera that lets us show you the inside of your own mouth on screen. It's a simple way to look at something together rather than us describing it to you.

Intraoral scanner

An intraoral scanner takes a digital impression of your teeth by passing a small light over the area, so we can capture the shape without the older putty-tray impressions.

AIRFLOW

AIRFLOW is an air-polishing system, made by EMS, that we use as part of a clean. It directs a fine spray of air, water and a fine powder at the teeth to lift away plaque and surface staining, and many patients find it a gentle option during a hygiene visit.

iTero

The iTero scanner captures a detailed 3D image of your teeth and gums using optical scanning rather than radiation, so the scan involves no x-ray exposure.itero The 3D scan is useful for planning treatments such as Invisalign clear aligners, and it gives you a digital view of your own teeth on screen.

Make an Enquiry

If you'd like to know more about any of the equipment we use, or you're ready to come in, get in touch with our team.

Book a consultation