Gloss & Floss Answers · Dental care in Sweden
How to transfer dental records and X-rays to Sweden
The short answer
Moving to Sweden and changing dentists? Ask your previous clinic for copies of your dental notes and digital X-rays, including the dates they were taken. Before sending anything, contact your new clinic to check how they would like to receive it securely. Your previous records can help your dentist understand your treatment history, although a new examination or further X-rays may still be needed.
Cannot get your old records? You can still contact us to arrange a visit. Tell us what treatment you remember and which documents are missing.
How to transfer your records
- Ask your previous clinic for copies. Request your dental notes and original-quality digital X-rays rather than photos or screenshots of a screen.
- Keep the details with the files. Each X-ray should include its date and, where available, the tooth or area shown.
- Check with your new clinic before sending. Ask how to transfer the files securely and what consent is needed if your previous dentist sends them directly.
Records do not automatically follow you when you change clinics. If you are arranging a transfer from abroad, ask both clinics what they need; the process can vary between countries.
What should I ask my previous dentist for?
You do not need to gather every document before getting in touch. Start with your X-rays and information about any ongoing or major treatment.
| Record | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Dental X-rays | Dated images help your dentist compare earlier findings with your current dental health. |
| Implant details | Ask for the implant brand, system or model, size and placement date, plus details of the crown, bridge or connecting parts. These can help with future maintenance. |
| Root canal records | Treatment notes and X-rays can help when checking a previously treated tooth or symptoms that have returned. |
| Crown and bridge details | Information about the work and materials used gives your new dentist helpful background. |
| Gum-health records | Gum measurements and treatment notes are useful if you have had gum disease or bone loss. |
| Orthodontic records | Include details of braces, aligners and any retainers you still wear. |
| An ongoing treatment plan | Bring details of treatment that has been recommended, started or left unfinished. |
A message you can send to your previous dentist
I am arranging dental care in Sweden and would like copies of my dental notes and digital X-rays. Please include the dates and the tooth or area shown on each image, along with any implant details, gum-health records and ongoing treatment plan. Could you let me know how I can receive the files securely, or arrange for them to be sent to my new clinic with my consent? Please also let me know about any fee and how long the request is likely to take.
Do my records need to be translated?
Not always. X-rays can often be assessed regardless of the language of the notes, although their dates and labels still matter. Written records in Swedish or English are easiest for us to work with.
If your notes are in another language, ask us what needs translating before paying for a full translation. Important details may include diagnoses, allergies, previous complications, major surgery and ongoing treatment.
Will I still need new X-rays in Sweden?
Possibly. Your dentist will consider whether the images you already have answer the questions relevant to your care. New X-rays may be needed if your symptoms have changed, the images lack detail or the area that needs checking is not shown.
There is no single expiry date for every dental X-ray. Bringing dated, original-quality images helps your dentist decide what further information is needed.
How we can help before your first visit
Before your appointment, contact our team or call +46 8 643 90 11. Tell us which clinic holds your records, what language they are in and which files you have. We can explain the next steps for making them available securely. Please check with us before sending clinical documents.
If your records are delayed, let us know. At your visit, your dentist will assess the information available alongside your current dental health.
Previous records can also help if you would like a second opinion on a treatment plan proposed elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
Can my dentist abroad send records directly to you?
This can often be arranged. Contact us first so that both clinics can agree on a secure transfer method and any consent needed.
Are phone screenshots of X-rays enough?
They may help us understand your treatment history, but may not show enough detail for a clinical decision. Ask your previous clinic for the original-quality digital files if possible.
Will I have to pay for copies of my records?
Ask your previous clinic whether there is a charge before they prepare the files. Fees and arrangements can vary, especially when requesting records from another country.
How long does a transfer take?
Your previous clinic can tell you how long it expects the request to take. Get in touch with us before your appointment, and let us know if the records are still on their way.
