- 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.
What should be included:
- 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.
Related Costs: Dental Work,
Cavity Filling,
Dental Crown,
Root Canal,
Tooth Extraction,
Full Mouth Reconstruction
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.
What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
Bitewings - four radiographic images & Panoramic Radiographic Image
Amount: $403.00 Posted by: Pearly Whites
From: Littleton, NH
Posted On: July 12th, 2021 04:07PM
Type of X-Ray: four radiographic images & full pan
Dentist: Dr Hugh's Dental
Copay: 225.77
Annual charge for <12 years of age with no dental issues during routine cleaning.
3D Dental X-Ray
Amount: $858.00 Posted by: Cecelia Marie Assam
From: Laurel, MD
Posted On: June 11th, 2021 07:06AM
Type of X-Ray: 3D
Dentist: Drs. Batz & Weiner Lake Dental
Copay: 0.00
The doctor told my daughter this was "not covered by insurance" and if she didn't get the 3D scan, the wisdom tooth could be removed, but nerves don't show on a regular x-ray so there is a risk of permanent facial paralysis!! Way to scare the life out of a patient. Am I overacting as a parent who feels we were ripped off?
Tired of the Dentistry Upsell!!!
Amount: $150.00 Posted by: SocratesMentor
From: Flagstaff, AZ
Posted On: February 20th, 2021 10:02AM
Type of X-Ray: Bitewing AND Panoramic
Dentist: Copay: $0 with $1000 annual max coverage
Went into dentist to get a filling small chip inside one of my front teeth along with my annual exam, x-rays and cleaning.
After x-rays, asst. told me the dentist would like me to take some panoramic x-rays, which without further explanation I agreed assuming they checked my coverage. She came back a few minutes later with a "release form" she stated with my Delta dental coverage I would have to pay $150, which I signed unknowingly.
The panoramic x-rays were taken and a few minutes later I met the dentist for the first time, going over the images and examined my teeth and gums explaining other work that could be done for thousands more, including a bridge that one tooth"may be" developing an infection requiring another dentist to drill through the center of the bridge, into the root to inject an antibiotic and then fill the tooth and bridge!? Why not remove the bridge appliance, inject the tooth and re-cement back on? Filling and cleaning rescheduled until I cancelled.
Xrays
Amount: $700.00 Posted by: Deborah Myers
From: Macedonia, OH
Posted On: January 15th, 2020 02:01PM
Type of X-Ray: Panorama
Dentist: Dr. FARIAN
Copay: 300.00
400.00 cash, 300.00 from insurance, to determine for implants.
50.000, for implants
treatment estimate
Amount: $0.00 Posted by: T1947D
From: Glenside, PA
Posted On: December 5th, 2018 01:12PM
Type of X-Ray: CT image, both jaws
Dentist: Copay: 0
Estimate is for $300.00 upper and $300 for lower
Also, $350 Radiograph/surge implies indexB/R for $ 350
I am concerned about price
tooth
Amount: $44.00 Posted by: Margarita
From: New Rochelle, NY
Posted On: October 28th, 2017 11:10AM
Type of X-Ray: bit down on a piece of cardboard
Dentist: 175 Memorial highway suit 1-6
Copay: 75
IT was only the front right up teeth nothing else
I think that was too much for a partial Xray for front tooth only
Bitewings - four radiographic images
Amount: $55.00 Posted by: a user in Marlton, NJ.
Posted On: March 24th, 2016 08:03AM
Type of X-Ray: radiographic
Dentist: Araminowicz
Copay: 0
I have no insurance so I only go to the dentist once a year. Prices seem average.
Kaiser Permanente dental coverage and cost for panoramic X-rays
Amount: $600.00 Posted by: IHS
From: Salem, OR
Posted On: January 14th, 2016 03:01AM
Type of X-Ray: routine panoramics
Dentist: Vanessa Olsen
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)
Bitewings - 4 radiographic images
Amount: $72.00 Posted by: Matthew D'Agostino
From: Hillsborough, NJ
Posted On: November 13th, 2014 03:11AM
Type of X-Ray: Radiographic
Dentist: Al Internoscia
Copay: 0
Once per year
Panoramic Radiographic Image
Amount: $142.00 Posted by: Matthew D'Agostino
From: Hillsborough, NJ
Posted On: November 13th, 2014 03:11AM
Type of X-Ray: Panoramic Radiographic Image
Dentist: Al Internoscia
Copay: 0
10 second digital xray
Xrays and partial exam for wisdom tooth extraction referral
Amount: $160.00 Posted by: EB
From: Valdez, AK
Posted On: June 12th, 2012 02:06PM
Type of X-Ray: Full set
Dentist: Silveira
Paid $160 out of pocket with no insurance for a full xray, with a partial exam and a referral to an oral surgeon.
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