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
X-rays show what an eye exam cannot. Windham Centre patients can learn why dental images are suggested, how often, and how records are shared in Port Dover.
Let’s get you smiling
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Care for Windham Centre families at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for Windham CentreSeeing below the surface
Many dental problems are not visible during a visual exam. Decay between teeth, infection at a root tip, bone loss from gum disease, impacted teeth and cysts may only show up on X-rays. Digital imaging captures these views and displays them on a screen, allowing the dentist to explain what they see and compare it with earlier images taken over the years.
For Windham Centre patients, X-rays taken at our Port Dover office become part of your dental record. The dentist will explain why each image is recommended, how often you are likely to need them and how they help guide decisions about whether treatment is needed or monitoring is enough.

Why images matter
Bitewing X-rays show the back teeth from the crown down to the bone level and are useful for spotting decay between teeth and around fillings. Periapical images show the whole tooth, including the root tip, and help diagnose infections. Panoramic views capture the entire jaw at once and are often used to assess wisdom teeth and a child’s developing teeth.
Before root canals, extractions, implants or orthodontic referrals, X-rays help the dentist understand root shape, bone levels and the position of nearby structures. Comparing new images with older ones can show whether a problem is stable or slowly changing. This supports better decisions about whether treatment is needed now or whether careful monitoring is a reasonable choice.
How often
There is no single schedule that suits everyone. The dentist considers your age, history of decay, gum health and any ongoing treatment. Someone who gets frequent cavities may need bitewings more often than a person with a stable, low-risk mouth. If you are unsure why images are being suggested, ask the dentist to explain the reasoning in your particular case.
When you have pain, swelling or an injury, X-rays may be needed to find the cause even if you had images recently. New patients may be advised to have a baseline set unless recent images can be transferred from another office. Requesting those records ahead of time can sometimes avoid repeating images you have already had elsewhere.
During imaging
A small sensor is placed in your mouth and held by a holder or by gently biting down. The X-ray unit is positioned close to your cheek, and the image appears on the screen within seconds. If you have a strong gag reflex, a small mouth or sensitive areas, let the team know so they can adjust the sensor size, angle or technique for you.
Digital X-rays use low doses of radiation, and the team follows safety practices such as limiting exposures to the images that are actually needed. Tell the team if you are or might be pregnant, so they can discuss whether imaging should be postponed or whether precautions are appropriate. You are always welcome to ask questions about safety before any image is taken.
Your records
The dentist will review the images with you and point out any areas of concern on the screen. Seeing your own X-ray can make a diagnosis much easier to understand, and you should feel free to ask questions if something is not clear. Images are stored as part of your dental record so they can be compared at future visits.
If you need a referral to a specialist or are moving to another dental office, your X-rays can be shared with your consent. Ask the team about the process and any forms involved. Likewise, bringing images from your previous dentist when you first visit can help avoid unnecessary repeat exposure and give the dentist useful history.
Planning your appointment
When booking at our Port Dover office, mention if you have had X-rays elsewhere recently. Windham Centre patients can request transfers in advance so the dentist can review those images before or during the appointment.
Let the team know if you are pregnant, have a strong gag reflex or have questions about radiation before any images are taken.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Digital dental X-rays use low radiation doses, and images are taken only when they provide useful information. The team follows safety practices to keep exposure to a minimum. Ask the dentist if you have any concerns before images are taken.
Many problems, such as decay between teeth or early bone loss, cause no symptoms in their early stages. X-rays help the dentist find these issues before they become painful, when treatment is often simpler and less costly.
Tell the team if you are pregnant. Non-urgent imaging may be postponed, while necessary images may be taken with appropriate precautions. The dentist will discuss the options with you and explain why an image is or is not needed.
Yes. X-rays can usually be shared with you or with another dental office once you give consent. Ask the team about the process and any forms needed to request copies, and allow a little time for them to be prepared.
Digital images appear on screen within seconds of being taken. The dentist typically reviews them during the same appointment and explains any findings before you leave, so you do not have to wait for a follow-up call.
Routine checkups catch small problems before they turn painful. See what a dental exam includes for Windham Centre patients visiting our Port Dover practice.
Joining a new practice? Windham Centre patients can see what a first comprehensive exam covers, what to bring and how records move to our Port Dover office.
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