Dental X-Rays & Imaging
Expect to pay $12-$275 for dental x-rays & imaging at a typical dental office, or $12-$65 through discount programs and dental schools.
Dental X-rays detect cavities, bone loss, infections, and impacted teeth before they become visible problems.
Sources: CDT benchmark database, state Medicaid fee schedules, and providers’ published rates. Re-verified monthly. Nothing on this page is a quote.
Typical Price Range
$12-$275
Based on CDT code database
Discount Programs & Dental Schools
$12-$65
FTC Pricing Disclaimer: Prices shown are estimated ranges based on dental_cdt_prices database (127 CDT codes), ADA fee surveys, FAIR Health. Actual prices vary by location, dentist, and complexity. Always verify pricing before scheduling.
Detailed Price Comparison by CDT Code
Prices from 6 related CDT codes in our database.
| CDT Code | Procedure | Cash Price | Insurer Allowed* | Dental School | FQHC Range | Medicaid (CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D0230 | Periapical X-ray - Each Additional Film | $12-$55 | $22-$38 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D0220 | Periapical X-ray - First Film | $15-$65 | $28-$45 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D0272 | Bitewings - Two Films | $25-$100 | $42-$68 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D0274 | Bitewings - Four Films | $35-$130 | $58-$90 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D0330 | Panoramic X-ray | $60-$225 | $100-$160 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D0210 | Full Mouth X-rays | $75-$275 | $120-$180 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
*Estimated range insurers typically allow for this procedure (50th-80th percentile), modeled from published fee-survey data. Individual plan rates vary. Medicaid rates come from published state fee schedules and generally apply only to enrolled Medicaid members at participating providers.
Paying With Insurance vs. Paying Cash
Dental insurance works differently from medical insurance. Knowing how plans actually pay for dental x-rays & imaging helps you pick the cheaper route.
If you have insurance
Insurer-allowed amount*
Your plan negotiates the fee down to the allowed amount, then typically pays 50-80% of basic work and 50% of major work, until you hit your annual maximum (usually $1,000-$2,000). You pay the rest.
If you pay cash
Negotiable cash price
Many offices discount 10-30% for payment in full at time of service, but you have to ask. Dental schools and FQHC clinics go lower. No waiting periods, no annual maximum.
Third option
Dental savings plan
Not insurance: an annual fee ($80-$200) buys access to pre-negotiated discounts of 15-40% at network dentists. No waiting periods or maximums, often the best fit for major work.
Rule of thumb: for cleanings and checkups, cash is often cheaper than carrying a plan. For a single big procedure, a plan’s $1,000-$2,000 annual maximum usually covers only part of the bill. Compare the insurer-allowed column against a negotiated cash or dental-school price before assuming insurance wins. Watch for 6-12 month waiting periods on new plans.
What's Included
- Digital Imaging
- Radiologist/Dentist Review
- Copies on Request
Recovery Time
No recovery needed
Dental X-Rays & Imaging FAQs
How much do dental X-rays cost without insurance?
Two bitewings cost $25-$100 and four bitewings $35-$130 (the standard checkup set). A panoramic X-ray costs $60-$225 and a full-mouth series (18-20 images) $75-$275. Single tooth X-rays cost $15-$65. Many offices bundle X-rays into new-patient exam specials.
How often do I actually need dental X-rays?
ADA guidance for healthy adults: bitewings every 12-36 months and a full-mouth series or panoramic every 3-5 years. If an office insists on new X-rays at every 6-month visit despite no problems, ask why. You can decline and request they use recent images instead.
Can I transfer my X-rays to another dentist?
Yes. You have a legal right to copies of your dental records, including X-rays. Offices may charge a small copying fee but cannot withhold them, even with an unpaid balance in most states. Transferring recent X-rays avoids paying for duplicates at a new office.
Where to Get Dental X-Rays & Imaging for Less
Dental Schools
50-70% savings at 66 accredited schools
Community Clinics
Sliding-scale fees at FQHCs
Compare All Prices
CDT codes, Medicaid, discount plans
Plain-English answer: how to negotiate a dental bill
Step-by-step playbook with JAMA 2023 success rates and IRS 501(r) charity-care rules.