How Much Are Dental X-Rays Without Insurance?

Why would you need dental X-rays?

Dental X-rays help your dentist see what’s happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. During the process, your dentist directs a small amount of radiation through your mouth, and a sensor or film captures it to create detailed images of your teeth, their roots and surrounding structures.

Dentists can use X-rays to help detect the following issues:²

• Infections
• Abscesses
• Cavities
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Bone loss
• Impacted or developing teeth

X-ray images can reveal early signs of dental problems before they become more serious and expensive to treat.¹ By helping your dentist identify issues early, X-rays can help reduce your risk of requiring more complex procedures down the line.

Common types of dental X-rays

Dental X-rays typically fall into two main categories.²

Intraoral X-rays (inside the mouth)

Intraoral X-rays include:

• Bitewing X-rays, which show small sections of your upper and lower teeth.


• Periapical X-rays, which capture a full, single tooth from root to crown.


• Occlusal X-rays, which show the roof or floor of the mouth.

Extraoral X-rays (outside the mouth)

The most common types of extraoral X-rays are:

• Panoramic X-rays, which reveal the relationship between the jaws and teeth, as well as airways such as the nasal cavities and sinuses.


• Cephalometric X-rays are typically taken before and after orthodontic treatment to help predict and reveal the outcome of tooth movement.


• Cone beam CT scan, which produce detailed 3D images.

How much do dental X-rays cost without insurance?

The average dental X-ray cost without insurance can range from $52 to $879, depending on the type you need. Below are average price ranges for various types of dental X-rays:²

• Bitewing X-rays: $52 to $120
• Periapical X-rays: $42 to $102
• Occlusal X-rays: $43 to $103
• Panoramic X-rays: $57 to $343
• Cephalometric X-rays: $110 to $274
• Cone beam CT scan: $361 to $879

What factors can affect the cost of dental X-rays?

The type of X-ray you need is just one factor that can influence the total cost. Some other factors can include the:

• Number of images: If you need multiple X-rays, it can increase the total cost.
• Dentist’s location: X-rays may be more expensive in areas with higher living costs.
• Insurance coverage: Some dental insurance plans may cover part or all the cost of your X-rays, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.