At Ardary Family Dentistry in Temecula, one of the most common questions we hear from patients during routine exams is, “Do I really need X-rays?” It’s a fair question. If your teeth feel fine, you may not see the value in getting images taken—especially if you’re trying to limit your exposure to radiation or keep costs low.

However, dental X-rays are one of the most powerful diagnostic tools available. They provide essential insight into areas of your mouth that can’t be seen with the naked eye. In many cases, they allow us to catch small issues before they become major (and expensive) problems.

Whether you’re here for a routine teeth cleaning in Temecula, planning to restore your smile with veneers or dental crowns, or undergoing a more advanced procedure like dental implants, X-rays are a key part of your dental care.

What Dental X-Rays Can Reveal

Even the most thorough visual exam can only see so much. X-rays let us look deeper—into the bones, roots, and spaces between teeth. Depending on the type of X-ray, we can evaluate:

• Cavities hidden between teeth or beneath old fillings
• Bone loss caused by gum disease
• Infections, abscesses, or cysts near the root of a tooth
• The position of wisdom teeth or impacted teeth
• Bone density and structure before dental implant placement
• The health of restorations like bridges, dentures, and crowns

In short, X-rays give us the information we need to diagnose issues early and develop accurate, customized treatment plans.

Types of Dental X-Rays We Use

At Ardary Family Dentistry, we use digital X-rays, which are faster, clearer, and expose you to significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays. Depending on your needs, we may recommend:

• Bitewing X-rays – Used to detect decay between the teeth and monitor bone levels.
• Periapical X-rays – Focused on one or two teeth, capturing the entire root and surrounding bone.
• Panoramic X-rays – Show your entire mouth in one image; helpful for treatment planning and evaluating jaw health.
• CBCT (Cone Beam CT) – A 3D scan used for detailed imaging, especially before dental implant surgery or evaluating complex jaw issues.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Yes. In fact, today’s digital X-rays use up to 90% less radiation than traditional film methods. The dose you receive from a set of dental X-rays is about the same as the radiation exposure you’d get from a short airplane flight or a day in the sun.

We also take extra precautions—such as using lead aprons and limiting X-ray frequency to only when clinically necessary. If you’re pregnant or have health concerns, we’ll always adjust your care accordingly.

How Often Should You Get Dental X-Rays?

The frequency of X-rays depends on your individual needs. For most healthy adults, bitewing X-rays are recommended once per year. You may need more frequent X-rays if you:

• Have a history of frequent cavities
• Are undergoing treatment for gum disease
• Are planning cosmetic work like veneers or crowns
• Are experiencing unexplained tooth pain or swelling
• Have had recent dental trauma or surgery

If you’re a new patient at Ardary Family Dentistry, we may take a full set of baseline X-rays to better understand your current oral health.

How X-Rays Support Advanced Care

X-rays play a crucial role in many of the services we offer, including:

• Dental implants in Temecula – We use X-rays and CBCT imaging to evaluate jawbone health and precisely place your implants.
• Gum disease treatment – Imaging helps us monitor bone loss and track disease progression.
• Teeth whitening and cosmetic planning – We need to ensure there’s no decay or damage before beginning whitening or placing veneers.
• Dentures and dental bridges – X-rays help us design comfortable, stable restorations that match your unique oral structure.

Whether you’re restoring your smile or simply maintaining it, X-rays are a foundation of excellent dental care.

The Bottom Line

Delaying or skipping X-rays may seem like a small way to save time or money, but it often leads to bigger problems. Catching decay or bone loss early can mean the difference between a quick filling and a more costly crown, root canal, or extraction.

At Ardary Family Dentistry, we believe in prevention, transparency, and technology. Our team is here to ensure your smile stays strong for life—starting with the insights we gain from your X-rays.

Schedule Your Exam Today

If it’s been a while since your last set of dental X-rays—or if you’re due for a teeth cleaning in Temecula—we invite you to schedule a visit with Ardary Family Dentistry. Our team will walk you through the process, answer your questions, and ensure you receive the personalized, high-quality care you deserve.

Contact us today and experience the difference of full-scope, family-friendly care in Temecula, CA.