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Digital diagnostics at Essex Family Dental

Here at Essex Family Dental, we’ve invested in the latest digital scanning technology to achieve the most accurate dental diagnostics. With a dental scanner, an intra-oral camera and Cone Beam Computed Tomography scan (CBCT) technology all available, our dentists can take a highly accurate 3D digital impression of your teeth without the need for a physical mould and, in the same appointment, discuss any issues and plot your treatment plan. 

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The more you understand about your teeth, gums and bones the better you will be at keeping your dental routine on track. Think of digital diagnostics as a personal MOT for your teeth and gums, checking what’s needed to get them fit and healthy!

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If you’d like to see your teeth in 3D, book in a digital diagnostics consultation today.

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Young man undergoing a dental panoramic X-ray scan using a white digital dental imaging machine.

What’s the difference between digital diagnostics and a traditional x-ray?

If you’ve ever had an x-ray at our dental practices before, you’ll know that they’re extremely useful in helping to identify issues within the teeth, such as cavities.

For patients on the independent treatment path, digital diagnostic technologies not only allow instant digital x-rays to be taken, but they also go a number of steps further to achieve a variety of dental objectives, such as: 

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  • Providing highly detailed 3D images of the mouth and teeth.
  • Allowing the dentist to identify problem areas with highly Improved diagnostic accuracy.
  • Enabling the dentist to see additional issues immediately, such as improper bite alignment or dental restorations that have been worn down.
  • Giving you, as the patient, the opportunity to visualise your teeth and the treatment prescribed by your dentist in stunning colour detail.
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Which digital diagnostic technologies are available at Essex Family Dental?

At Essex Family Dental, we have a couple of different technologies available to our independent customers:

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  • Intraoral scanner and camera, which are ideal for creating digital 3D models to monitor your oral health and digitally design your restorative or orthodontic treatments, such as teeth straightening, veneers, crowns or dentures. 
  • Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scanner, which is better suited to providing 3D images of the whole head, jaw and oral region, including bone and soft tissues. This is top of the range technology used for diagnostic and treatment planning purposes.

What are the benefits of using digital diagnostics as part of my dental treatment plan?

There are so many benefits to you, as a patient, of using digital diagnostic technologies as part of your treatment pathway at Essex Family Dental:

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  • Digital diagnostics allow you to have a completely bespoke treatment plan, personalised to every detail of your teeth and gums, with the possibility of digitally designing your smile.
  • They give you full control of your bespoke treatment plan, enabling you to see what the dentist sees and get a full, detailed and incredibly accurate visualisation of your recommended treatments and digital smile design. 
  • The experience is much more comfortable for you. If you’ve ever sat in the dentist’s chair with a mouth full of putty, you’ll know that traditional impressions can feel uncomfortable and may even cause you to gag. Digital diagnostics remove the need for any physical moulds to be used.
  • The process is much quicker, enabling you to get on with the rest of your day much sooner.
  • Implants can be better planned for, with the capability to virtually place the implants, select the best implant length in relation to nerves and choose the best implant size for optimal stability.
  • Dentures are much more comfortable with a digital scan and design as the fit will be better first time round than with a conventional putty mould. So don’t settle for poor fitting NHS dentures - you deserve the best! 
  • 3D digital scanners are able to detect dental issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, including minute fractures, the full extent of dental infections and the exact position of impacted teeth, roots and nerves. A 2D x-ray is limited on what it can achieve, so don’t wait unnecessarily; let digital 3D technology focus your results.   
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How much does a digital scan and consultation cost?

Digital intraoral scans are complementary for independent patients as part of their initial check-up cost (and not available for NHS patients). Digital intraoral scans are also included as part of our dental treatment prices for Invisalign, smile makeovers, implants etc., so there shouldn’t be a fee if you're having a private treatment with us – it’s simply one of the great benefits of being a member of a digital independent practice. To put this into context, as a stand-alone scanning service, some practices charge £200 for a digital intraoral 3D scan. 

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If you would like to have a digital scan without any associated treatments, a stand-alone CBCT 3D scan at Essex Family Dental costs £185 per arch and £100 for radiology reporting. A 2D panoramic x-ray costs £55. 

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If you are interested in any digital scan please speak to your dentist or our treatment coordination team directly.

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Don’t settle for second best. Book your independent check-up today and speak to your dentist about how you can achieve your goals with digital diagnostics.

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Our patients love us

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Tracey Llewellyn

I would like to say that when I heard my regular dentist was leaving the practice back in January of this year I was quite concerned but having seen Amrit Kasbia on 2 occasions now, my fears have totally been put to bed. I would in fact go as far to say he is even better than my previous dentist. I would highly recommend him.

DW
David Wilson

I cannot express how thankful I am for the care I received. The team was supportive and attentive, ensuring I was comfortable at all times. I would recommend this clinic to anyone in need of medical assistance.

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Kim Feeney

I first went here for an emergency last year and as a very nervous patient, I saw a lovely dentist who put me at ease. I've recently been able to join the dentist now and saw the same dentist, which put me at ease straight away.

MC
Maison Clay

Having been a patient for a decade+ it's refreshing to know that when I had a problem it was addressed by the hospitable general manager himself (Mr. S Morgan) and a follow up was conducted during my next visit. This was a kind gesture. The receptionists are friendly and welcoming. Dr Ganesalingam is a respectful dentist who answers questions thoroughly and gives compassionate advice 🌟

JA
Jannice Apraku

I came into see the Hygienist at the beginning of August. I can honestly say in all my years of attending the Dentist, this Lady has to be the best!She was patient and explained everything. The way she cleaned my teeth was gentle but effective. She gave me helpful advice on what to do going forward.I really hope I see her again.She is a true asset to the Dentist.

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Claudia Savin

Yesterday, my son had a dental procedure involving sedation to remove two teeth, and I couldn't be more grateful for the amazing care we received. From the moment we arrived, the staff was incredibly helpful, friendly, and communicative. They made both my son and I feel comfortable and reassured throughout the entire process. They took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all our questions with patience, and showed genuine care and kindness.

JS
Jennika Shah

Brought both children after school. Lovely clean practice. Very kind, professional and quick. My children were very good because the practice and staff were very inviting. Very good with children. Would highly recommend!

GW
Graham Wilson

I have used this dentist for years and have no complaints about them whatsoever. My latest visit was on Monday 23 June 2025 and as usual, the receptionists were lovely. I was checked by a new dentist who was also very pleasant. Can recommend this practice without hesitation.

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Paul Burton

I saw Dr Foliades for my 6 monthly checkup. The service (appointment booking and treatment) was efficient, as always - and they still treat NHS patients. I would have no hesitation in recommending this practice to others.

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Lisa Allen

I attended for a routine check up and having completed the online health check there was no waiting around on arrival. Pleasant reception staff greeted me. The dental nurse was lovely as was the dentist. All over and done with in no time which is good for me as a nervous patient!!! Would definitely recommend this practice.

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Rachael Brown

I would highly recommend Orchard Road Dental Surgery! I have small 2 children and the team are very polite and welcoming. The dentist took the time to make my children feel comfortable and at ease when having their check up. I am a very nervous person at the dentist so it helps that they can help make the children feel comfortable, as well as myself when it's been my turn. I have been coming here since I was a child and will continue to do so.

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Francis E.

My experience at this dental surgery was amazing, excellent and fantastic! My appointment was with Kiana Moazzen. This dentist was simply amazing as I was very satisfied with my treatment. Very patient, professional and friendly. Thank you so much! The receptionists also were very caring, kind and understanding.

Have you thought about?

A smile makeover with dental cosmetic treatments such as teeth straightening, composite bonding, teeth whitening and implants.

Composite bonding

Composite bonding

If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect smile but don’t want to undergo any permanent procedures that involve removal of part of the tooth, then composite bonding might be the best solution to bring out the best in your smile. Composite bonding is a non-invasive tooth restoration treatment that changes the shape and colour of your teeth through the application of a tooth-coloured resin onto the tooth’s natural surface, whilst also protecting the integrity of your natural teeth.

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If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect smile but don’t want to undergo any permanent procedures that involve removal of part of the tooth, then composite bonding might be the best solution to bring out the best in your smile. Composite bonding is a non-invasive tooth restoration treatment that changes the shape and colour of your teeth through the application of a tooth-coloured resin onto the tooth’s natural surface, whilst also protecting the integrity of your natural teeth.

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Implants

Implants

A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Once placed in the jawbone, it supports a colour-matched porcelain crown to seamlessly fill the gap. Implants offer a strong, long-lasting and natural-looking solution that restores both the appearance and function of your smile.

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A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Once placed in the jawbone, it supports a colour-matched porcelain crown to seamlessly fill the gap. Implants offer a strong, long-lasting and natural-looking solution that restores both the appearance and function of your smile.

Teeth straightening

Teeth straightening

Straightening crooked or misaligned teeth can transform your smile, give you confidence and help you be the best version of you. If you’re dissatisfied with your smile, you’ll be pleased to know that straightening your teeth is not only extremely achievable and affordable but also brings very reliable results, whether your goal is to straighten wonky teeth, reduce overcrowding, remedy an incorrect bite or fix jaw misalignment. Multiple teeth straightening options are available at Essex Family Dental such as clear aligners, lingual braces, clear ceramic braces or traditional orthodontics, which means you can choose the treatment option that best suits you, your needs and your lifestyle.

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Straightening crooked or misaligned teeth can transform your smile, give you confidence and help you be the best version of you. If you’re dissatisfied with your smile, you’ll be pleased to know that straightening your teeth is not only extremely achievable and affordable but also brings very reliable results, whether your goal is to straighten wonky teeth, reduce overcrowding, remedy an incorrect bite or fix jaw misalignment. Multiple teeth straightening options are available at Essex Family Dental such as clear aligners, lingual braces, clear ceramic braces or traditional orthodontics, which means you can choose the treatment option that best suits you, your needs and your lifestyle.

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening

Teeth get stained over time, so teeth whitening is a good way to restore the natural whiteness that may have been dulled by red wine, tea or coffee. Our at-home whitening kits will give you reliable results quickly and will bring the brilliance back to your smile or, alternatively, you can opt for teeth whitening strips.

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Teeth get stained over time, so teeth whitening is a good way to restore the natural whiteness that may have been dulled by red wine, tea or coffee. Our at-home whitening kits will give you reliable results quickly and will bring the brilliance back to your smile or, alternatively, you can opt for teeth whitening strips.

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Composite bonding

Composite bonding

If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect smile but don’t want to undergo any permanent procedures that involve removal of part of the tooth, then composite bonding might be the best solution to bring out the best in your smile. Composite bonding is a non-invasive tooth restoration treatment that changes the shape and colour of your teeth through the application of a tooth-coloured resin onto the tooth’s natural surface, whilst also protecting the integrity of your natural teeth.

‍

Expand
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Implants

Implants

A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Once placed in the jawbone, it supports a colour-matched porcelain crown to seamlessly fill the gap. Implants offer a strong, long-lasting and natural-looking solution that restores both the appearance and function of your smile.

Expand
Collapse
Teeth straightening

Teeth straightening

Straightening crooked or misaligned teeth can transform your smile, give you confidence and help you be the best version of you. If you’re dissatisfied with your smile, you’ll be pleased to know that straightening your teeth is not only extremely achievable and affordable but also brings very reliable results, whether your goal is to straighten wonky teeth, reduce overcrowding, remedy an incorrect bite or fix jaw misalignment. Multiple teeth straightening options are available at Essex Family Dental such as clear aligners, lingual braces, clear ceramic braces or traditional orthodontics, which means you can choose the treatment option that best suits you, your needs and your lifestyle.

Expand
Collapse
Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening

Teeth get stained over time, so teeth whitening is a good way to restore the natural whiteness that may have been dulled by red wine, tea or coffee. Our at-home whitening kits will give you reliable results quickly and will bring the brilliance back to your smile or, alternatively, you can opt for teeth whitening strips.

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Frequently asked questions about digital diagnostics

Are digital dental scans safe?

Yes. It is safe to have a digital scan with an intraoral scanner as it doesn’t use any radiation. A digital scanner simply uses light or other harmless technology to take detailed images of your teeth and gums.

Are CBCT scans safe?

Whilst CBCT scans do use more radiation than a regular dental x-ray, they use far less than you would be exposed to with a standard CT scan at the hospital or even on a long-haul flight! Such a low amount of radiation is unlikely to cause any long-term harm but your dentist may advise against a CBCT scan for pregnant patients. Either way, CBCT scans are quick and entirely painless.

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essexfamilydentalcare
Providing dentistry in the community for over 40 years. New surgery now open at 57 Mawney Rd!