How Much Do Dental X-Rays Cost?
Dental x-ray cost varies widely based on the type of image, where you live, and whether you have insurance. Simple images taken during a routine checkup are relatively inexpensive. Advanced 3D scans used by specialists cost significantly more.
Understanding the different types of dental x-rays and their price ranges helps you plan for dental expenses. It also helps you ask informed questions when your dentist recommends imaging.
Dental X-Ray Cost by Type
Each type of dental x-ray serves a different purpose and carries a different price tag. Here are the most common types and their typical cost ranges.
- Bitewing x-rays: $25 to $50 per image. These show the upper and lower back teeth and are used to detect cavities between teeth. A standard set of four bitewings costs $80 to $200.
- Periapical x-rays: $25 to $50 per image. These show the entire tooth from crown to root tip. Dentists and endodontists use them to evaluate infections, abscesses, and root problems.
- Panoramic x-rays (Panorex): $100 to $250 per image. This single image captures your entire mouth, including all teeth, both jaws, the sinuses, and the temporomandibular joints. Orthodontists, oral surgeons, and prosthodontists commonly use panoramic x-rays for treatment planning.
- Full-mouth series (FMX): $150 to $350 for a complete set. This consists of 14 to 20 individual periapical and bitewing images and provides a detailed view of every tooth and the surrounding bone.
- Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT): $150 to $500 per scan. CBCT produces a 3D image of the teeth, bone, nerves, and soft tissue. Specialists rely on CBCT for dental implant placement, complex root canal cases, impacted teeth, and jaw surgery planning.
Does Insurance Cover Dental X-Rays?
Most dental insurance plans cover routine x-rays as part of preventive care. The specifics depend on your plan type and the reason for the imaging.
Bitewing x-rays are typically covered at 80% to 100% once per year. Many plans cover a full-mouth series or panoramic x-ray once every 3 to 5 years. These are considered diagnostic services and usually fall under the preventive or basic coverage tier of your plan.
Coverage for CBCT and Advanced Imaging
CBCT scans are not always covered by dental insurance. Some plans classify them as advanced imaging and require prior authorization. Medical insurance may cover a CBCT scan if it is medically necessary, such as for jaw surgery or tumor evaluation.
If your specialist recommends a CBCT scan, ask the office to check your insurance benefits before the appointment. Many specialist offices handle this verification for you. If your plan does not cover the scan, ask about payment options or whether a less expensive imaging type would provide sufficient information for your case.
What If You Do Not Have Insurance?
Without insurance, you will pay the full fee for dental x-rays. Many dental offices offer a discount for paying at the time of service, typically 10% to 20%. Dental schools often charge 50% to 70% less than private practices for the same imaging.
Some dental discount plans (not insurance) include reduced x-ray fees as part of an annual membership. These plans cost $80 to $200 per year and can reduce imaging costs by 15% to 50%.
How Often Do You Need Dental X-Rays?
The frequency of dental x-rays depends on your individual oral health, age, and risk for dental disease. Your dentist will recommend a schedule based on your specific situation.
General Frequency Guidelines
The American Dental Association (ADA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published joint guidelines for dental x-ray frequency based on patient risk level.
- New patients: A full-mouth series or panoramic x-ray at the first visit, plus bitewings. This gives your dentist a baseline record of your oral health.
- Low-risk adults (no cavities in 2+ years, healthy gums): Bitewings every 2 to 3 years.
- Moderate-risk adults (occasional cavities or early gum disease): Bitewings every 12 to 18 months.
- High-risk adults (active decay, periodontal disease, or complex dental history): Bitewings every 6 to 12 months.
- Children and adolescents: Bitewings every 6 to 12 months, depending on cavity risk. A panoramic x-ray around ages 6-8 and again at 12-14 to evaluate developing teeth and jaw growth.
When Extra X-Rays May Be Needed
Certain situations call for x-rays outside your routine schedule. If you have a toothache, your dentist will likely take a periapical x-ray to check the root and surrounding bone. Trauma to the mouth, a suspected fracture, or sudden swelling also warrant immediate imaging.
Specialists may need their own x-rays even if your general dentist recently took some. An endodontist may require a periapical x-ray or CBCT scan of a specific tooth before a root canal. An oral surgeon typically needs a panoramic x-ray or CBCT before extracting impacted wisdom teeth.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe? Radiation Levels Explained
Dental x-rays use very low levels of radiation. Modern digital x-ray equipment produces even less radiation than the film-based systems used in previous decades.
A single digital bitewing x-ray exposes you to approximately 0.005 millisieverts (mSv) of radiation. For comparison, you receive about 0.01 mSv of background radiation from the environment every day. A set of four bitewings delivers roughly the same radiation exposure as a one-to-two-hour airplane flight.
A panoramic x-ray delivers about 0.01 to 0.03 mSv. A CBCT scan delivers 0.03 to 0.2 mSv, which is still well below the levels used in medical CT scans of the head (approximately 2 mSv).
Safety Precautions Your Dentist Takes
Dental offices follow standard safety protocols to minimize your radiation exposure. These include using lead aprons and thyroid collars, limiting the x-ray beam to only the area being imaged, and using the fastest digital sensors available.
If you are pregnant, inform your dentist. While the radiation from dental x-rays is very low, most dentists will postpone routine x-rays during pregnancy unless there is a dental emergency. The ADA states that dental x-rays with proper shielding can be performed safely during pregnancy when clinically necessary.
When Specialists Need Advanced Dental Imaging
General dentists handle most routine dental x-rays. However, dental specialists often require advanced imaging to plan and perform more complex procedures.
Imaging by Specialty
- Endodontists: Periapical x-rays and CBCT scans to evaluate root canal anatomy, locate hidden canals, and diagnose root fractures or persistent infections. Learn more about endodontic care on our /specialties/endodontics page.
- Oral surgeons: Panoramic x-rays and CBCT scans for wisdom tooth extraction, jaw surgery, and dental implant placement. These images reveal the position of nerves, sinuses, and bone density. Visit /specialties/oral-surgery for more about oral surgery procedures.
- Orthodontists: Panoramic x-rays and cephalometric (side-view) x-rays to analyze jaw alignment and plan braces or aligner treatment. See /specialties/orthodontics for orthodontic care details.
- Prosthodontists: CBCT scans for implant planning and panoramic x-rays for full-mouth reconstruction. Learn about prosthodontic treatment at /specialties/prosthodontics.
- Periodontists: Periapical and bitewing x-rays to evaluate bone loss around teeth affected by gum disease. Full-mouth series help track bone levels over time. Read more at /specialties/periodontics.
How to Reduce Your Dental X-Ray Costs
There are several practical steps you can take to keep dental x-ray costs manageable.
- Use your insurance preventive benefits. Most plans cover bitewings annually at no out-of-pocket cost.
- Ask your dentist to send your x-rays to a specialist electronically. This can prevent the need for duplicate imaging.
- If you are paying out of pocket, ask about cash-pay discounts. Many offices offer reduced rates for same-day payment.
- Consider dental schools for routine imaging. Dental schools charge significantly less and use the same equipment as private practices.
- Use HSA or FSA funds. Dental x-rays are eligible expenses under both health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts.
Find a Dental Specialist Near You
If your dentist has recommended advanced imaging or specialist care, the My Specialty Dentist directory can help you find a qualified specialist in your area. Search by location and specialty to compare credentials and schedule a consultation.
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