Dental X-rays in Beverly Hills, CA allow dentists to detect early signs of decay, infection, and bone loss that cannot be seen during a visual exam. At Beverly Hills Aesthetic Dentistry, Dr. Jamielynn Hanam-Jahr uses advanced digital imaging technology to provide safe, accurate results with minimal radiation exposure. Patients from Century City, West Hollywood, Benedict Canyon, and Westwood Village rely on her expertise for precise diagnostics and preventive care.
Dental X-rays give us a deeper view of your oral health. By identifying small issues early, we can plan conservative treatments that save time, money, and discomfort later. With more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Hanam-Jahr combines high-tech diagnostics with gentle, personalized attention for every patient.
What Can a Dental X-Ray Show That an Exam Cannot
Even with routine cleanings and exams, some dental problems are invisible to the naked eye. X-rays reveal what lies beneath the surface, allowing your dentist to diagnose decay, bone changes, cysts, or infections before symptoms develop. This proactive approach helps preserve natural teeth and maintain gum health.
Dr. Hanam-Jahr uses digital X-rays that produce clear images instantly and use up to 90% less radiation than traditional film. They are quick, comfortable, and an essential part of modern preventive dentistry.
What Are the Different Types of Dental X-Rays
Different types of X-rays serve unique purposes, depending on what we need to evaluate. Each type helps us examine specific parts of the mouth with precision and minimal exposure.
- Bitewing X-rays show decay between teeth and monitor bone levels supporting the teeth.
- Periapical X-rays focus on the entire tooth, from crown to root, to detect infection or abscess.
- Panoramic X-rays capture the entire mouth in one image, revealing jaw, joint, and sinus health.
- Cephalometric X-rays measure bone and tooth relationships for orthodontic planning.
- 3D cone beam scans provide high-resolution, three-dimensional imaging for implants or complex cases.
Each type of X-ray plays an important role in creating a complete picture of your oral health. Dr. Hanam-Jahr determines which is best based on your needs and history.
How Much Radiation Is in a Dental X-Ray
Digital sensors emit very low radiation. A single dental X-ray can deliver less exposure than a day of the natural background radiation you get simply from living in the world.
Guidance changed recently on shielding. Lead aprons and thyroid collars are no longer recommended, because they can block the primary beam and force a second image, which raises your total exposure rather than lowering it. Children and pregnant patients can receive imaging when there is a clear diagnostic reason. The safeguard is ordering fewer images, not adding lead.
| X-Ray Type | Radiation Level | Recommended Frequency | Purpose |
| Bitewing | Very low | Every 6–12 months | Detect decay between teeth |
| Periapical | Low | As needed | Assess root and bone health |
| Panoramic | Low | Every 3–5 years | Evaluate jaw and tooth structure |
| Cone Beam 3D | Moderate | As needed | Plan implants or advanced care |
What Happens During a Dental X-Ray
Your comfort always comes first. Dental X-rays are fast, simple, and completely painless. The process typically takes only a few minutes and provides instant results.
- Small digital sensors are positioned in your mouth, one area at a time.
- The machine captures each image in under a second.
- Results appear on-screen immediately, so you see them during the same visit.
- Dr. Hanam-Jahr walks through what each image shows before recommending anything.
Afterward, Dr. Hanam-Jahr explains your images and points out any concerns or preventive recommendations. Patients appreciate seeing what we see, understanding their treatment plan, and feeling empowered about their oral health.
Why Digital Instead of Film
Digital technology has transformed how dentists diagnose and treat. Compared to older film X-rays, digital systems offer clear images with less wait time and reduced environmental impact.
- Instant, high-quality images for faster diagnosis.
- 75–90% lower radiation exposure compared to traditional methods.
- Easier sharing and storage for treatment planning.
- Enhanced accuracy for detecting hidden decay or cracks.
Digital X-rays make each visit more efficient and help us identify problems before they become painful or expensive to treat.
How Often Do You Need Dental X-Rays
Frequency depends on your history, not on a fixed schedule. A new patient usually needs a full set to establish a baseline. After that, most low-risk adults need bitewings less often than they expect. Patients with a history of cavities, gum disease, or extensive restorative work may need them more often. Dr. Hanam-Jahr orders an image when there is something specific to look for.
Children often need more frequent X-rays because their teeth and jaws are still developing. Dr. Hanam-Jahr customizes your schedule to keep care efficient and safe, ensuring you only receive X-rays when necessary.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Children
Pediatric X-rays play a vital role in detecting early decay, tracking growth, and preventing future problems. They also help guide orthodontic evaluation and early treatment planning.
- Detects hidden cavities before they cause pain.
- Monitors eruption patterns and jaw development.
- Helps determine if there is enough space for permanent teeth.
Parents from Westwood Village and West Hollywood appreciate how Dr. Hanam-Jahr explains the process in simple, reassuring terms. Kids are comfortable, calm, and often curious about seeing their own teeth on the screen.
How Do X-Rays Fit Into Preventive Care
X-rays are one of the most powerful tools in preventive care. They detect small issues before they become painful and give insight into overall oral health. When combined with regular cleanings and exams, they ensure that your smile stays strong, balanced, and functional for life.
At Beverly Hills Aesthetic Dentistry, imaging supports the rest of your care rather than standing alone. What shows up on an X-ray shapes what happens at your next cleaning and exam. Dr. Hanam-Jahr shows you the image and explains what she is seeing before recommending anything.
Taking the Next Step: Schedule Your Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays in Beverly Hills, CA are safe, fast, and essential for long-term oral health. Call (310) 276-2088 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Jamielynn Hanam-Jahr at Beverly Hills Aesthetic Dentistry. We proudly serve patients from Century City, West Hollywood, Benedict Canyon, and Westwood Village.
Dr. Jamielynn Hanam-Jahr has over 25 years in general, preventive, and cosmetic dentistry, and practices under California Dental License #46068. Imaging is part of your regular general dentistry visit. Call (310) 276-2088.
As an Aesthetic Concierge
We Work Around Your Needs and Schedule!
Your dental care should be as unique as your smile. We guarantee you’ll love the results. Dr. Hanam-Jahr listens to your goals and creates personalized plans to address your needs efficiently and comfortably. You need to experience it to truly believe it!
Book Your Virtual ConsultFrequently Asked Questions
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes, and the exposure is smaller than most patients assume. A dental X-ray can deliver less radiation than a single day of the natural background exposure everyone receives. Guidance has changed on protective gear. The ADA now advises that lead aprons and thyroid collars are no longer needed for patients of any age or health status, including pregnancy, because shielding can block the beam and lead to a repeat image. The real safeguard is taking fewer images, not adding lead.
How often should you get dental X-rays?
There is no fixed schedule, and anyone who gives you one is not looking at your mouth. The ADA states that radiographs should be ordered based on clinical need, using previous images where possible. A new patient typically needs a baseline set. After that, a low-risk adult with no decay history needs bitewings far less often than someone with recurrent cavities or active gum disease. Dr. Hanam-Jahr sets your interval from your record, not the calendar.
Do you need X-rays if nothing hurts?
Often yes, because the problems X-rays find do not hurt yet. Decay starting between two back teeth, bone loss around a root, and infection at a root tip all develop silently. By the time there is pain, the treatment is usually larger. That said, no image should be taken without a reason. In January 2026 the ADA published updated recommendations confirming X-rays should be ordered only when clinically necessary. Ask what she is looking for before the sensor goes in.
Does insurance cover dental X-rays?
Most PPO plans cover bitewings once or twice a year and a full series every three to five years, though the specifics vary by plan and by what has already been billed that year. Panoramic images and 3D cone beam scans are treated differently by most carriers and are not always covered. We check your benefits before imaging and tell you what is covered and what is not. If something falls outside your plan, you hear the cost before it happens rather than on the statement. Call (310) 276-2088.
Related Services
- General Dentistry
- Dental Cleanings and Preventive Care
- Cavity Fillings
- Gum Disease Treatment
- Restorative Dentistry
Related Articles
See More Reviews From Beverly Hills Aesthetic Dentistry. View information about local places in our community. Get driving directions to Beverly Hills Aesthetic Dentistry.
Contact our Dental Clinic
Phone:
Location:
435 N Bedford Dr #414 Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Dr. Jamielynn Hanam-Jahr DDS (Dental license #46068)
Monday: 7:00am-3:00pm
Tuesday: 7:00am-3:00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 7:00am-3:00pm
Friday: 7:00am-11:00am
**Closed every third Friday
