Dental Imaging Unit

Dental X-rays can help your dentist detect oral health issues, like cavities and gum disease, before they worsen. There are many different types of dental X-rays, including intraoral (taken inside your mouth) and extraoral (taken outside your mouth). Dental X-rays are essential to proper oral health and maintenance.

What we do

Dental Imaging Unit offers a variety of services including:

• Panoramic X-ray often in preparation for major dental procedures such as getting braces. It shows the condition of your entire mouth and a comprehensive view of all your teeth on your upper and lower jaw.
• Periapical X-ray shows your entire tooth, from the crown to the root tip. This type of X-ray helps your dentist detect decay, gum disease, bone loss and any other abnormalities.
• Bitewing X-rays display details of the upper and lower teeth in a mouth area.
• CBCT, “cat-scan” or “Cone beam CT” x-rays are an imaging method that uses technology to convert 2 dimensional images into a 3 dimensional (3D) picture
• Lateral ceph is the lateral x-ray of teeh, jaws and compelte face including the head and is particularly used in orthodontic treatment planning.
• Occlusal X-rays help your dentist detect any issues in the floor or roof of your mouth.
• Intraoral X-rays are the most common type of dental X-ray. They provide a detailed view of the teeth, bone, and supporting tissues inside the mouth.

The Dental Imaging Unit holds current accreditation against National Safety and Quality Health Services Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme Standards.

Do I need a referral?

Referrals accepted for Cone Beam CT, OPG, Lateral Ceph, Occlusal and intraoral imaging.

No self-referral services are available (all services require a referral).

Appointments necessary for CBCT and full mouth intraoral series.

Walk-ins accepted for other imaging studies.

Referrers: Within the referral form please ensure that you explain the purpose of and risk associated with any dental imaging prescribed and have your patient sign the patient consent.

Can I get bulked billed?

The Dental Imaging Unit will bulk-bill eligible patient referrals to Medicare.

Under Medicare rules, Cone Beam referrals from general dental practitioners cannot be bulk-billed and an OPG cannot be bulk-billed on the same day as a CBCT.

Patients without Medicare eligibility and those that are unable to show their Medicare card on presentation at the facility will be charged.

Directions

Westmead Centre for Oral Health is situated at Westmead Hospital on Darcy Road, Westmead.

You will find information about parking and public transport options on the Getting to Westmead Hospital webpage.