A dental or oral x-ray provides the dentist with detailed pictures (radiographs) of specific sections of the patient's mouth.
Typical costs:
Although traditional x-rays capture the image on film, many dentists are switching to digital x-rays, which sends images to a computer. Whether x-rays use film or are digital does not seem to affect the price, which is typically based on the type of x-ray taken -- bitewing, periapical, panoramic or occlusal. Rates vary by location and by individual dentist.
Bitewing x-rays, which show the upper and lower back teeth, are often taken in sets of two (right and left) for children or four for adults and can cost $10-$25 for a single bitewing, or $20-$100 a set. They show how the teeth line up together and whether there's any decay between the teeth or bone loss due to severe gum disease. Bitewing x-rays are typically taken during a regular checkup or teeth cleaning, to look for tooth decay.
Expect to pay $15-$30 for a periapical x-ray, which is similar to a bitewing but displays more of an entire tooth from root to crown plus any supporting teeth, to pinpoint dental problems below the gum line or in the jaw, like an impacted tooth, an abscess, a cyst or a tumor. A full-mouth series of x-rays can cost $85-$250 and is typically done during a first visit to a dentist. The series can consist of 14-21 separate images, often four bitewings and 10-17 periapical x-rays.
Also called a panoramic radiograph, a panoramic x-ray can cost $60-$150. It provides a broad view of the jaws, mouth, teeth, sinuses and nasal areas, to highlight problems like impacted teeth; bone abnormalities; cysts, tumors or other growths; infections; and fractures. A panoramic x-ray may be included in a total package price for braces.
An occlusal x-ray (also called a palatal x-ray) shows the roof or floor of the mouth, and typically costs $20-$40 each. Not as common as bitewing or panoramic x-rays, occlusal x-rays are used to display extra teeth or teeth that have not grown through the gum; jaw fractures; a cleft palate; foreign objects in the mouth or growths such as a cyst or abscess.
Most dental insurance covers the cost of dental x-rays, but there may be copays ($5-$50) or limits on how often the procedure can be preformed. For example, Dental Select[1] allows eight bitewing x-rays per year; one upper and one lower occlusal x-rays every 24 months; and one panoramic or a full-mouth series (18) of periapical x-rays every 36 months.
Dental x-rays typically take less than five minutes, and are not painful. With traditional x-rays the patient bites down on a piece of cardboard holding a section of film inside the mouth; the film is developed with a darkroom machine then displayed on a light box. For digital x-rays a small sensor unit is positioned inside the patient's mouth or a sensor pad glides around the patient's head; both send images directly to a computer where they can be viewed and saved in the patient's file.
A dentist explains what bitewing x-rays are[2] and ToothIQ describes why periapical x-rays are taken[3] . With a panoramic x-ray, the machine moves around the patient's head; Kaufmann Orthodontics in New York posts a video[4] of the digital panoramic x-ray process. And ToothIQ.com provides a picture of an occlusal x-ray[5] .
X-rays aren't typically needed at every dental appointment, but should be taken periodically to check for hidden decay or other problems not visible during a visual exam. Children may require x-rays more often than adults, because their teeth and jaws are still developing. WebMD.com explains when to get dental x-rays[6] .
The dose of radiation a patient is exposed to during a dental x-ray is considered extremely small, and a leaded apron is typically is put over the abdomen anytime a dental x-ray is taken, to reduce the risk. However, if the patient is or might be pregnant, dental x-rays should only be taken when absolutely necessary, and extra precautions should be taken to protect the baby.
Additional costs:
The patient is actually paying for the labor involved in taking an x-ray, and the images are legally considered to be the property of the dentist who takes them. There can be a nominal charge ($10-$40) to have a previous dentist send copies of recent x-rays to a patient's new dentist.
Discounts:
Dental college clinics often offer reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty, and some may provide free x-rays. The American Student Dental Association[7] maintains a list of dental schools.
Some dental groups pay partial fees for low-income patients; the American Dental Association[8] lists state and local associations.
Shopping for dental x-rays:
WebMD.com provides tips for finding a dentist[9] .
Get referrals to local dentists from the American Dental Association[10] . If the patient has dental insurance, the insurance company will provide a list of approved dentists.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
10 Quick and Inexpensive Home Makeover Projects To Do While At Home You may not be able to host the large family gathering for the holidays, but there are still many ways to pick up items curbside to spruce up your indoor space for your everyday enjoyment and to bring a more festive spirit. || Posted December 30 2020
10 Key Ways to Prepare for Extreme Snow Forecasters are predicting a true nor'easter will hit the eastern and central states with rain, thunderstorms, ice, snow and high winds over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's crucial to plan ahead, before bad weather hits. || Posted November 26 2013
After paying a higher medical premium for months to qualify for getting dental coverage, then an add'l dental premium for several more to receive a total benefit of $1000, I went to Kaiser with a fractured crown on a molar. The staff immediately began taking panoramics--for which I was billed $600 of the $1000--ignoring my statements that I had some done recently. Dr. Olsen then refused to work on the crown, even for temporary protection, as I "had had a total mouth reconstruction" and she "was not permitted to do any work on it per my benefits." I was preoccupied with more serious medical failures to provide and misrepresentation on KP's part and limited by painful injuries, but when (much later) I got around to dealing with this,I found she had misinterpreted the benefit jargon. I requested a copy of my record in Aug,'15, and, after multiple attempts, I was informed Jan 8 '16 that it's now at their ofc, despite my request for receiving it at my home.(State requires 14 cal day del'y)
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
shoulder mri Paid: 8000.00 Seriously, 8K for an MRI before all the secret insurance kicks in. I was stuck with a 1200 bill and my insurance is pretty good. This is insane for a 20 minute procedure with no nurse assistance... [more]
what should have cost under 100 Paid: 399.67 had my back wheel stuck on someone's driveway and I was pulled out as easily as a tractor could have done... [more]
Why is dental insurance stuck in the 80's? Paid: 55000.00 In 1986, I started my first full time Big Girl job, which came with options for medical insurance that ranged from "Volkswagon to Cadillac, and everything in between" which was up to me to choose based on my needs, what I could af... [more]