No Dental Insurance
But Need Dental X-Rays?

Dental x-rays are a necessary part of going to the dentist. However, the amount of x-rays you need depends on the condition of your mouth and teeth and how often you change dental offices. Some people need to get x-rays every six months, whereas others only need them every couple of years. Whichever category you fall into, it’s important to understand how much dental x-rays cost without dental insurance (dental insurance), why dentists recommend them and the different types of dental x-rays your dentist might use.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Dental X-Rays?

Dental x-rays can cost anywhere from $30 to $200 depending on the type and number of x-rays you need. If you have no insurance, here are some average prices you might pay:

Disclaimer: For the most up-to-date treatment prices in your area, please visit the 1Dental fee schedule and enter your zip code.

Average Cost of a Dental X-Ray
Dental X-Ray	Cost Without Insurance
Intraoral - Complete Series of Radiographic Images	$189
Intraoral - Complete Series of Radiographic Images	$43
Intraoral - Periapical - Each Additional Radiographic Image	$37
Bitewing - Single Radiographic Image	$42
Bitewings - Two Radiographic Images	$67
Bitewings - Three Radiographic Images	$79
Bitewings - Four Radiographic Images	$94
Panoramic Radiographic Image	$163

Why Do I Need to Get X-Rays?

Dental x-rays are helpful for dentists for a number of reasons. Without x-rays, dentists would not be able to find and treat dental problems thoroughly and effectively. Dental x-rays show dentists:

Decay: areas of decay not visible in an oral exam
Fillings: what is beneath existing fillings
Bone loss
Changes in the mouth: particularly in the bone or root canals
Infections at the root of a tooth or in the gums
Mouth structure: the full structure of a person’s mouth
Abnormalities like cysts or tumors
Growth: for children, it shows dentists how well teeth are coming in

Types of X-Rays

There are two types of dental x-rays: intraoral x-rays and extraoral x-rays.

Intraoral X-Rays

The most common type of x-ray, intraoral x-rays give dentists a lot of detail to help them find cavities, check on developing teeth, monitor the health of tooth roots and bone and keep an eye on the general health of your mouth. Intraoral X-rays include:
- Bite-Wing X-Rays: These x-rays show the upper and lower teeth in one area of your mouth. Bite-wing x-rays are often used to detect tooth decay between teeth and monitor any abnormalities in bone density, which could be a result of gum disease.
- Periapical X-Rays: Periapical x-rays show dentists the whole tooth, even to the end of the root of the tooth. These x-rays are used to monitor any changes in root structure and the surrounding bone structure.
- Occlusal X-Rays: Using occlusal x-rays are great for showing full tooth development and placement on a larger scale.

Extraoral X-Rays

The main focus of these x-rays is your jaw and skull. Dentists use these x-rays to see how the growth and development of your jaw is affecting your teeth. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and other structural problems are often monitored using extraoral x-rays. These x-rays include:
- Panoramic X-Rays: They show all of the teeth in the upper and lower jaws on a single x-ray. Panoramic x-rays can show dentists the positioning of teeth in the mouth.
- Sialography: A dye is needed for this x-ray. The dye is injected into the salivary glands and then the x-ray is taken. This x-ray would be used if a dentist is worried about salivary gland problems.
- Tomograms: Tomograms target in on one particular area of the mouth and blur out everything else. If there are areas of the mouth that are difficult for him to see, he may request a tomogram to see the area more clearly.
- Computed tomography: This is also known as CT scanning and is usually done in a hospital or radiology center. It is used to identify any problems in the bones of the face. Computed tomography is also very useful in helping evaluate the placement of dental implants and working on difficult extractions in the mouth.
- Cephalometric Projections: Cephalometric Projections show the side of the head. It is helpful for seeing the relation between the teeth and the jaw and profile of a person. This type of x-ray can be very beneficial for orthodontists when planning their treatment.

X-Rays and the Careington 500 Series Dental Plan

While the prices listed above for someone without insurance are not too terribly high, imagine what you could save by using an insurance alternative like the Careington 500 Series plan. This is a nationwide discount Dental Plan, but we’ve listed just a few sample price lists below for individuals who live in California, New York and Texas. See what you might save on dental x-rays with the Careington 500 plan.

Disclaimer: For the most up-to-date treatment prices in your area, please visit the 1Dental fee schedule and enter your zip code.

California Careington Members

Intraoral – Complete Series of Radiographic Images: $75
Intraoral – Periapical – First Radiographic Image: $15
Intraoral – Periapical – Each Additional Radiographic Image:: $13
Bitewing – Single Radiographic Image: $14
Bitewings – Two Radiographic Images: $20
Bitewings – Three Radiographic Images: $25
Bitewings – Four Radiographic Images: $29
Panoramic Radiographic Image: $63

New York Members

Intraoral – Complete Series of Radiographic Images: $62
Intraoral – Periapical – First Radiographic Image: $14
Intraoral – Periapical – Each Additional Radiographic Image:: $9
Bitewing – Single Radiographic Image: $14
Bitewings – Two Radiographic Images: $19
Bitewings – Three Radiographic Images: $25
Bitewings – Four Radiographic Images: $32
Panoramic Radiographic Image: $62

Texas Members

Intraoral – Complete Series of Radiographic Images: $47
Intraoral – Periapical – First Radiographic Image: $12
Intraoral – Periapical – Each Additional Radiographic Image:: $7
Bitewing – Single Radiographic Image: $12
Bitewings – Two Radiographic Images: $15
Bitewings – Three Radiographic Images: $20
Bitewings – Four Radiographic Images: $24
Panoramic Radiographic Image: $47

Disclaimer: The prices listed above reflect what you can expect to pay at a general dentist that accepts our Careington Care 500 plan, not at a specialist. Specialists in our Careington Care 500 network have agreed to a flat 20% off their prices, which may vary depending on the specialist you see.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many types of dental x-rays and reasons to have them done. The prices vary from one to the other so understanding all you can about each type is helpful as you go in to have your own dental x-rays done. Stay ahead of the curve by realizing how much you can save on dental x-rays simply by choosing a dental insurance alternative like our discount dental plans. You’ll be able to keep more money in your pocket and get the needed dental x-rays that you need at the dentist.