Digital Dental X-rays and Intraoral Photographs in Dubai
X-rays show what an examination cannot: decay between teeth, infection at the root tips, bone levels around the teeth and the position of wisdom teeth. Intraoral photographs show you what the dentist sees. At Smart Care Polyclinic in Deira both are digital, taken only when they will change the decision, and shown to you on screen.
For: diagnosis before any treatment is planned
Takes: seconds per image
Price: included in the free consultation where needed
What it is
A small X-ray held beside the teeth (a bitewing or periapical) shows one area in fine detail — early decay between two teeth, the shape and length of a root, an abscess at the root tip, or the fit of an old filling. These are the images that turn "this tooth aches" into "this is why, and this is the treatment".
A panoramic X-ray (OPG) shows the whole mouth on one image — every tooth, both jaws, the sinuses and the wisdom teeth. It is used for planning extractions, assessing wisdom teeth and getting an overview before larger treatment plans such as bridges or a smile makeover.
Digital sensors replace film. The image appears on screen within seconds, can be enlarged and enhanced, is stored with your record rather than in a drawer, and needs less radiation than the film it replaced. The dentist takes an X-ray when it will change what is done, not on a schedule, and will say what it showed rather than filing it.
Intraoral photographs: seeing what the dentist sees
A small camera photographs each tooth from inside the mouth, magnified on the screen in front of you. A crack, a leaking filling or worn enamel that is hard to describe becomes obvious when you can see it yourself. The photographs also give a before-and-after record of treatment and let the laboratory match a crown or veneer to the real colour of the neighbouring teeth.
Are dental X-rays safe in pregnancy?
Tell the dentist if you are or might be pregnant. Dental X-rays are aimed at the mouth, well away from the abdomen, and a lead apron is used; where an X-ray is genuinely needed for a painful or infected tooth it is not withheld, but routine images are usually deferred until after the birth.
Questions patients ask
No. X-rays are taken when they will change the decision — a new symptom, a suspected cavity between teeth, planning an extraction or a crown. Someone with healthy teeth and no symptoms may go years between routine images.
Yes. They are digital and part of your record, and a copy can be sent to you or to another dentist on request.
This guide is general information about a treatment, not advice about your teeth. Which option suits you depends on the tooth, your bite, your gums and what you want long term — all of which the dentist assesses at your free consultation before anything is agreed.