How Much Does Dental X-rays Cost

Oral health is as important as physical health. When you meet other people, one of the very first things that people notice in you is your smile. That is why taking care of your teeth is always a valuable investment. Before you undergo any dental procedure or treatment, your doctor will recommend you to have a dental X-ray to see the current condition and state of your teeth. Based on the results of the X-ray, your dentist can identify any problem and hence, can recommend the dental treatment suitable for your needs. In taking a dental X-ray, you will shoulder additional cost. So, how much does dental X-rays cost? The average price of dental X-ray would actually vary and this article tells you more information about the cost and other things that you need to know about this procedure.

Know More About Dental X-ray

Also called as radiographs, X-ray is an essential part of any dental procedure. They are used by your dentist for more accurate and better diagnostic purposes. By using the results found in dental X-ray, your dentist can provide preventative recommendations and identify any problem in the patient. Just like other types of X-ray, it uses energy to go through the soft tissues since teeth as well as the bone are dense.

They pass through the cheeks and the gums. In dentistry, the most common kind of radiograph used is the intraoral X-rays. Compared to other types of X-rays, this provides a much more detailed information of the tissues, bone and tooth. That is why even if you have to shoulder the cost of dental X-rays you still need to have it. Through the X-ray, your dentist can find if there are cavities in your teeth and take a look at the roots. Your dentist can also check the bony area and the status of your teeth. If you

Taking a Dental X Ray

have periodontal disease, your dentist can also determine it based on X-rays. There are different kinds of x-rays which include the following:

Bitewing X-rays: They are used to look at areas between the teeth and this type of X-ray can show if there is any cavity.

Periapical X-rays: This type of X-ray is used to see the roots of 1 to 3 teeth and the entire crowns. It also enables the dentist to see the bone structure.

Panoramic X-rays: It gives the dentist a complete view of the teeth as it shows both the lower and upper jaw.

Occlusal X-rays: This type of X-ray is used to see the upper and lower teeth. Dentists would often use this type of X-ray for children who are having difficulties with periapical or bitewing X-rays.

Average Price of Dental X-ray

In having an oral X-ray, it gives you detailed pictures. How much dental X-rays cost? The cost would depend on different factors and also the kind of X-ray. For instance, rates can vary based on the fee of the dentist and also the location. The average price of dental X-ray for bitewing X-rays showing both the lower back and upper teeth would cost you around $10 to $25. However, this cost is only for single bitewing. But for a complete set, the cost ranges from $20 to $100. By using this type of X-ray, your dentist can see if there is any decay or if there is bone loss due to gum disease.

Other type of X-ray is known as the periapical X-ray. How much does dental X-rays cost for this type?  The cost ranges from $15 to $30. This type of X-ray shows you dental problems. It shows if there is an abscess, cyst or impacted tooth. For a full-mouth X-ray, the cost is about $80 to $200. When you undergo this X-ray, you can expect about 14 to 21 images.

For a panoramic X-ray, it can cost you about $60 to $150. Compared to other types of X-ray, it can give a much broader view of all the areas and it can  see if there is any problem like jaw fractures, foreign objects, cleft palate, etc. The cost of dental X-rays using this type ranges from $60 to $150. The occlusal X-ray is cheaper averaging from $20 to $40. Also known as the palatal X-ray, this type shows the low and upper mouth.

If you have a dental insurance, you do not have to worry since most insurance would cover the X-ray. But then, there are copays which can be around $5 to $50. It is also important to note that there are limits in the procedures that can be undertaken.

Aside from that, you also have to factor in other additional costs. For instance, there can be an additional charge if there is a need for the previous dentist to provide you with copies of X-rays to your current dentist. This will cost you about $10 to $40.

The good news is that there are also discounts. There are dental clinics that can give you reduced rates as there are students/faculty that may offer free X-rays. You can search the list provided by the American Student Dental Association. There are also dental groups that provide discounts for those who cannot afford it.

When to Get Dental X-rays

Since you will have to pay for the cost of dental X-rays, you need to know when to get dental X-ray. It will actually depend since it is your dentist who will recommend the type of X-ray. When it comes to the frequency, it would depend on your dental history and the current condition. There are some people who may need it every 6months. For those who do not have any gum disease or severe dental problem, they may have to take it once a couple of years. If you are a new patient, you will have to take an X-ray as part of the diagnostic procedure.