X-rays help your dentist to quickly and easily identify the source of a tooth or gum problem.
Many people postpone a visit to the dentist for fear of unknown or unexpected costs. X-rays allow the dentist to have a clear picture of how much work needs to be done and what the total costs will be.
X-ray costs depend on many factors, from what type of rays you need, to whether you have dental insurance.Dental insurance covers most of your X-ray costs. If you do not have dental insurance, there are interest-free payment plans, which will help you manage the cost of your dental examination.
The average range for tooth X-rays is from $25 to $750.
A periapical x-ray and is usually $35. While panoramic X-rays will cost you about $132.
Service | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
Check up and clean (X-rays included). | $280 |
Consultation. | $80 to $150 |
Emergency dentist appointment. | $200 to $400 |
Root canal treatment. | $700 to $1,500 |
Early x-ray diagnosis can make treatment far easier and more effective. In the past, dentists recommended having x-rays done annually. But today, if you do not have any particular problems with the gums and teeth, the Australian Dental Association recommends healthy adults to do x-rays every 2-3 years.
The x-rays use small amounts of radiation but the benefits of early diagnosis of oral pathology and disease, when found through dental x-rays, are far greater than the risk of such radiation.
Below are the five most common dental X-rays and their uses.
These are used to look at a specific area of the mouth. The bite of a certain part captures the exposed (visible) part of the teeth (upper and lower), half of their root canal, as well as the supporting bone.
Periapical X-rays (OPG) capture the whole tooth and show everything from the surface to the root (below the gum line).
These are a combination of nibbling and periapical. X-rays of the full mouth are usually done when you are a new patient. Your dentist uses these initial images as a basis for the health of your mouth, also often done if you suspect you have a jaw cyst or tumor, or for significant dental work such as root canals, extractions, or treatment of gum disease.
These x-rays are used to paint the entire area of the mouth. Panoramic images in one image show the position of fully growing and impacted teeth. With a referral from your doctor, you can get a free Panoramic X-ray (OPG), as a service under Medicare, made at your nearest x-ray centre.
Occlusal X-rays help monitor the tooth development, as well as the placement of part or all of the tooth arch in the upper or lower jaw. This method is most often used by pediatric dentists in order to find kids' teeth that have not yet penetrated the gums.
X-rays carry minimal risk, but you can still refuse x-rays as part of your dental examination. Talk to your dentist to better understand the use of x-rays as part of your oral treatment so that you can better understand why they are so useful in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.