GENERAL & PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY · NEWTON, MA
Dental X-Rays & 3D Imaging in Newton & Boston
Advanced diagnostic imaging at Smolyar Dental in Newton, MA gives Dr. Alex Smolyar a complete picture of your oral health that no clinical exam alone can provide. Digital X-rays, intraoral photography, and 3D CBCT imaging detect problems early, guide complex treatment planning, and help patients understand their own health. Serving greater Boston.
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Why advanced dental imaging matters
The majority of dental problems — including cavities between teeth, early bone loss from gum disease, infections at the root tips of teeth, and structural issues in the jaw — are invisible to the naked eye. Without diagnostic imaging, these problems go undetected until they cause symptoms, at which point they have typically progressed to a stage requiring more complex and costly treatment. Digital dental X-rays at Smolyar Dental in Newton, MA are the primary tool for detecting these hidden problems early, when they are simplest to address.
Smolyar Dental uses digital X-ray technology that delivers up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional film X-rays while producing images of superior quality. Digital X-rays are available instantly on screen — Dr. Smolyar reviews them with the patient chairside, pointing out specific findings and explaining their clinical significance in plain language. This immediacy and transparency transforms the diagnostic appointment from a one-way information transfer into a collaborative conversation about the patient’s health.
For cases requiring more comprehensive anatomical information — implant planning, oral surgical procedures, complex endodontic cases, evaluation of impacted teeth, or detailed assessment of bone volume and quality — Smolyar Dental uses Cone Beam CT (CBCT) three-dimensional imaging. A CBCT scan produces a precise three-dimensional reconstruction of the teeth, bone, nerve pathways, sinuses, and soft tissue structures of the jaw and face. This level of detail allows Dr. Smolyar and his surgical team to plan implant placements, bone grafts, and other complex procedures with a level of precision that two-dimensional X-rays cannot provide.
“I show patients their X-rays and walk them through exactly what I see. When a patient can see the problem with their own eyes, they understand why treatment matters and what happens if they wait. Imaging isn’t just diagnostic — it’s the foundation of an honest conversation.” — Dr. Alex Smolyar, DMD
Candidacy
When are dental X-rays and 3D imaging needed?
X-ray frequency and type are determined by your individual clinical needs, not a fixed schedule. Dr. Smolyar makes imaging recommendations based on your risk profile, dental history, and what the clinical examination reveals.
Often a great fit if you have…
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A new patient exam — full-mouth series establishes a complete diagnostic baseline
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Routine recall exams — bitewing X-rays typically taken once per year for cavity detection
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Symptoms in a specific tooth — periapical X-rays evaluate the root and surrounding bone
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Signs or symptoms of gum disease — bone level assessment is essential for diagnosis
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Existing restorations being monitored for integrity and marginal seal
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A planned restoration, implant, or surgical procedure requiring imaging for treatment planning
Alternatives may be better for patients with…
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Dental implant placement — bone volume, density, and nerve location assessment
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Bone grafting and sinus lift planning
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Evaluation of impacted teeth, particularly wisdom teeth near the inferior alveolar nerve
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Complex endodontic cases with unusual root anatomy
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Orthodontic planning requiring skeletal assessment
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of great care.
If you are due for a dental exam and imaging, or if you have been referred for a specific imaging study, schedule your appointment at Smolyar Dental in Newton, MA. We serve patients from across greater Boston.
Request ConsultationWhat to Expect
Types of dental imaging at Smolyar Dental
Smolyar Dental uses a comprehensive range of imaging technologies to support accurate diagnosis and precise treatment planning at our Newton, MA practice.
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Step 01
Bitewing X-Rays
Typically AnnualBitewing X-rays show the upper and lower back teeth simultaneously, revealing cavities between the teeth and the level of bone between the teeth. They are the primary tool for cavity detection between teeth that cannot be seen clinically. Most patients have bitewing X-rays taken annually as part of their routine exam and cleaning appointment.
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Step 02
Periapical X-Rays
As Clinically IndicatedA periapical X-ray shows a specific tooth from the crown to the tip of the root and the surrounding bone. It is used to evaluate the health of the root and periapical bone, diagnose infections at the root tip, assess root fractures, and monitor healing following endodontic treatment. Periapical X-rays are taken for specific teeth as needed based on symptoms or clinical findings.
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Step 03
Full-Mouth Series (FMX)
Every 3–5 YearsA full-mouth series consists of 18 to 20 individual images covering all teeth and surrounding bone. It is taken at the comprehensive exam for new patients and periodically for established patients as a complete diagnostic baseline. The FMX provides a comprehensive view of all teeth and bone levels that individual bitewings cannot fully capture.
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Step 04
Cone Beam CT (CBCT) 3D Imaging
As Clinically IndicatedCBCT produces a three-dimensional reconstruction of the jaws, teeth, bone, nerves, and sinuses from a single scan taken while the patient sits in an upright chair. The scan takes approximately 10 to 40 seconds and uses significantly less radiation than a medical CT scan. Dr. Smolyar uses CBCT for implant planning, bone graft assessment, surgical case planning, and complex diagnostic situations where two-dimensional imaging is insufficient.
Why Choose Dr. Smolyar
Advanced dental imaging in Newton & Boston
The quality of dental diagnosis — and therefore all treatment that follows — depends on the quality of the imaging behind it. Here is the Smolyar Dental standard.
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25+ Years of Comprehensive Dental Care in Newton, MA
Dr. Smolyar earned his DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1998, graduating with honors, and completed Pankey Institute training in advanced and comprehensive dentistry. The Pankey Institute philosophy is built on thorough diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, and a genuine long-term patient relationship — values that define every preventive visit at Smolyar Dental.
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Advanced Diagnostic Technology — More Than a Routine Checkup
Smolyar Dental uses digital X-rays that deliver up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional film, intraoral photography so patients can see what Dr. Smolyar sees, and 3D CBCT imaging for complex diagnostic needs. This technology level allows Dr. Smolyar to detect problems that would be invisible to the naked eye — and to show patients exactly what is happening in their own mouth, so decisions are made together rather than handed down.
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Imaging Explained — Always
Dr. Smolyar reviews all imaging findings with patients at chairside, using plain language and on-screen images to explain exactly what is visible and what it means clinically. Patients are never left wondering about a finding or told to trust something they cannot see. This transparency is a core part of how Dr. Smolyar practices dentistry at our Newton, MA office — informed patients make better decisions and have greater confidence in their care.
Patient Reviews
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Dr. Alex Smolyar is the best dentist in the world. He is so talented and professional but above all he is an amazing human being. I have been his patient since 2015 and he does a phenomenal job. I appreciate everything he does.
Comprehensive Dental Care · Google Review -
Dr. Smolyar was tremendous. He, Ronit, and his whole team completely exceeded my expectations. Alex is a skilled and meticulous professional. In every sense, a great experience.
General Dental Care · Google Review -
Dr. Smolyar is an Einstein in the field of dentistry. After suffering for years with chronic migraines and visiting multiple specialists, Dr. Smolyar diagnosed and treated my migraines without medication. No more pain.
TMJ & Headache Dentistry · Facebook Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions worth asking.
Common questions about dental X-rays and 3D imaging at Smolyar Dental in Newton, MA.
Ask Dr. Smolyar-
Yes. Digital X-rays used at Smolyar Dental emit up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional film X-rays and are extremely safe. A full-mouth series of digital X-rays delivers a radiation dose comparable to a few hours of natural background radiation exposure. Lead aprons and thyroid collars are used as standard protective measures at every imaging appointment at our Newton, MA practice.
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X-ray frequency depends on your individual clinical situation and risk profile. Most patients have bitewing X-rays annually for cavity detection and a full-mouth series every 3 to 5 years. Patients with higher risk for decay, bone disease, or active dental conditions may need more frequent imaging. Patients with very stable, low-risk dental health may be able to extend intervals. Dr. Smolyar recommends only the imaging that is clinically justified.
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A Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scan is a three-dimensional imaging technology that produces a complete volumetric reconstruction of the jaw, teeth, bone, nerves, and sinuses from a single scan. Unlike conventional flat X-rays, which compress all structures onto a two-dimensional image, CBCT shows each structure in three dimensions with precise spatial relationships. It uses significantly less radiation than a medical CT scan and is taken in our Newton, MA office with the patient seated upright.
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In most cases, yes. CBCT imaging provides the bone volume, bone density, and nerve and sinus location information necessary for safe and accurate implant placement. Placing implants without this three-dimensional information significantly increases the risk of placement in suboptimal bone, nerve proximity issues, or sinus perforation in the upper jaw. Dr. Smolyar uses CBCT as a standard part of implant planning at our Newton, MA practice.
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You can decline dental X-rays, and Dr. Smolyar will respect your decision. However, he will explain clearly what diagnostic information is not available without imaging and how that may affect the thoroughness of your examination and care planning. Some conditions — including decay between teeth, bone loss, root infections, and developing pathology — cannot be detected without X-rays. An informed decision about X-rays should include a clear understanding of what cannot be assessed without them.
Serving Newton & Greater Boston
Advanced dental imaging near you.
Smolyar Dental is located at 71 Needham Street in Newton, MA, minutes from Newton Centre, Chestnut Hill, and Route 9. Patients from across the greater Boston area choose Smolyar Dental for diagnostic imaging because Dr. Smolyar’s commitment to advanced technology and patient education means every image is used to its full diagnostic potential.
We serve patients from Newton, Brookline, Chestnut Hill, Needham, Wellesley, West Newton, Waltham, Weston, Natick, and across the greater Boston metro area. On-site parking is available and the practice is accessible from the Newton Highlands MBTA Green Line D stop.
- Phone
- (617) 712-2770
- Hours
- Mon–Thu: 9am to 4pm · Friday: 9am to 2pm · Saturday & Sunday: Closed
71 Needham Street, Newton, MA 02461
Route 9, Route 128/95, and the Mass Pike. Most patients within 20 min.
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Your health starts here Schedule your visit today.
Your visit with Dr. Smolyar begins with a conversation. He takes the time to understand your health history, your concerns, and your goals before making any recommendation. There is no rush, no pressure — just thorough, personalized care from a dentist who genuinely invests in the long-term health of every patient.
- Dr. Smolyar personally conducts every examination and develops every care plan
- State-of-the-art digital X-rays and 3D CBCT imaging at our Newton, MA office
- Flexible scheduling — Mon–Thu 9am–4pm · Fri 9am–2pm
- Newton, MA office — serving Boston, Brookline, Chestnut Hill, Wellesley and beyond
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