Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.

Port Dover Family Dentistry
Digital X-rays reveal decay, bone levels and roots that cannot be seen by eye. Vittoria patients can learn why images are taken and how often in Port Dover.
Let’s get you smiling
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Caring for Vittoria patients at our Port Dover office
Browse all dental services for VittoriaSeeing below the surface
A great deal of dental disease develops where it cannot be seen: between teeth, under old fillings, around roots and in the bone that supports the teeth. Dental X-rays let the dentist look at these areas, detect problems earlier and plan treatment more accurately. Digital sensors capture images that can be viewed on screen moments after they are taken.
Patients from Vittoria who visit our Port Dover office may be advised to have X-rays at certain intervals. The dentist will explain why images are recommended, which types are needed and how they relate to your symptoms or history, so you understand what is being looked for and can ask questions before anything is taken.

Why they matter
X-rays can show decay between teeth, infections at root tips, bone loss from gum disease, impacted teeth, cysts and the condition of existing fillings and crowns. In children, they help track developing adult teeth. Comparing images over time allows the dentist to see whether a problem is stable or changing, which can make a real difference to timing and choice of treatment.
X-rays are not perfect. Some cracks, very early decay and soft tissue problems may not appear clearly. That is why images are always used alongside a visual examination, your symptoms and other tests. The dentist will explain how the X-ray findings fit with everything else and how confident they are in what the images suggest.
Types of images
Bitewing X-rays show the crowns of upper and lower back teeth together and are often used to check for decay between teeth and bone levels. Periapical X-rays show an entire tooth from crown to root tip and are useful when there is pain, suspected infection or before treatment such as a root canal. You will be asked to bite gently on a small sensor.
A panoramic X-ray captures the whole mouth in a single image, including jaws, sinuses and wisdom teeth. It may be recommended for new patients, orthodontic planning or assessing impacted teeth. In some cases, more detailed 3D imaging may be suggested and might require referral. The dentist will explain what each image is intended to show.
Safety and frequency
Digital dental X-rays use a low dose of radiation. Protective measures are used as appropriate, and images are taken only when the dentist believes the information will be useful. If you are pregnant or think you might be, tell the team before any X-ray. Routine images may be postponed, while X-rays for urgent problems can be discussed case by case.
There is no single schedule that suits everyone. People with a higher risk of decay, active gum disease or many restorations may need images more often. Those with low risk may need them less frequently. Ask the dentist why a particular X-ray is recommended now and when the next set is likely to be due.
Your records
If you have had X-rays at another office recently, ask about having them sent to our Port Dover office before your visit. This can avoid unnecessary repeat images and helps the dentist compare changes over time. Allow some time for the transfer to be arranged, and mention the previous office’s name when you book your appointment.
Ask the dentist to show you your X-rays and point out what they see. Digital images can be enlarged on screen, which can make it easier to understand an area of concern. Seeing the evidence often helps when deciding about treatment. You may also ask for copies of your images for your own records. Just ask the front desk.
Planning your appointment
When booking at our Port Dover office, mention when your last X-rays were taken and where. Let the team know if you are pregnant or have any concerns about imaging before your appointment.
Ask your previous dental office to send recent images ahead of time, and bring a list of questions about what the X-rays will check.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Digital dental X-rays use a low radiation dose, and images are taken only when the dentist expects them to provide useful information. If you have concerns, ask why a specific X-ray is recommended and how it will help guide your care. The team can explain in plain terms.
Many problems, such as decay between teeth or bone loss from gum disease, develop without pain. X-rays help find these early when treatment is often simpler. The dentist will recommend images based on your individual risk factors and history, not a fixed rule.
Tell the team if you are pregnant or might be. Routine X-rays are often postponed, while images needed for urgent problems may be discussed with appropriate precautions. The dentist will weigh the benefits and explain the recommendation for your situation.
Recent X-rays from another office may be useful and can sometimes avoid repeat images. Ask your previous office to send them before your visit. The dentist will decide whether they show enough detail or whether new images are needed for your care.
Each image takes only a moment to capture once the sensor is positioned. A panoramic image involves standing still while the machine moves around your head. Let the team know if you have a strong gag reflex so they can help you feel more comfortable.
Routine dental exams find small problems before they grow. Vittoria residents can see what a checkup covers and how to make the most of a visit to Port Dover.
Joining a new dental practice from Vittoria? See what a first comprehensive exam covers, which records to bring and how a care plan is built in Port Dover.
Recognized year after year
Best Dentists in Norfolk
Proudly recognized among Norfolk’s top-rated dental practices for six consecutive years.

2021 Winner

2022 Winner

2023 Winner

2024 Winner

2025 Winner

2026 Winner
Stories from our patients
Watch a patient’s experience and browse more five-star reviews from people who have visited our Port Dover dental clinic.
Patient video
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
Google reviews
Swipe or use the arrows
Read all reviewsYour next visit can start today
New patients and CDCP patients are welcome. Tell us how we can help and our Port Dover dental team will follow up with you.
Evening appointments Monday and Tuesday