How Much Does Panoramic Dental X Ray Cost?

Last Updated on July 17, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Panoramic dental X-rays, also known as panoramic radiographs, provide an important broad view of the entire mouth, including the teeth, upper and lower jaws, sinuses, and other facial structures.

This article will cover the key factors affecting panoramic X-ray pricing, typical costs in different settings, insurance coverage, cost comparisons, and tips for keeping pricing reasonable.

Getting a panoramic dental X-ray performed by a qualified dentist or radiologist is important for comprehensive oral exams, proper diagnosis, and effective treatment planning.

However, costs can vary considerably based on location, facility fees, insurance coverage, and other variables. Being an informed dental consumer helps ensure quality, affordable care.

How Much Does Panoramic Dental X Ray Cost?

Panoramic dental X-ray costs can range widely from approximately $50 to $400 on average depending on geographic location, facility type, your insurance coverage and other variables, but being a savvy consumer enables you to manage expenses while still benefiting from these vital wide-view diagnostic scans.

To gain better insight into average pricing ranges, here is a detailed regional cost breakdown based on location and facility type:

United States Panoramic X-Ray Cost Ranges

• Major Metropolitan Cities – Average between $125-$300
• Mid-sized Cities – Average around $100-$250
• Small Towns and Rural Areas – Average approximately $75-$175

As you can see, rates tend to be highest in major metro urban areas likely due to higher rents, labor, and equipment costs. More rural clinics often have lower overhead and pass those savings on through reduced prices.

Panoramic X-Ray Cost Comparison by Facility Type

• Private Dental Clinics – Range from $100-$400 on average
• Community Health Centers – Range from $50-$200 on average
• Hospital Radiology Centers – Range from $150-$350 on average
• University Dental Schools – Range from $50-$150 on average

Overall, public dental schools, community health centers, and hospitals with training programs tend to offer some of the most affordable rates due to their nonprofit status, government funding, and educational mission.

However, look closely at image quality, equipment caliber, and radiologist qualifications. Private practices charge higher prices but may offer a more customized experience, cutting-edge technology, and attentive customer service.

Other Countries’ Panoramic X-Ray Pricing

• Canada – Range from $75-$300 on average
• United Kingdom – Range from $50-$250 on average
• Australia – Range from $100-$400 on average

Pricing worldwide exhibits similarly wide-ranging regional and facility-based variances. Larger metropolitan cities predictably have the highest costs globally.

According to Teeth Talk Girl, the average cost for a panoramic x-ray is $50 to $250, with insurance coverage potentially reducing the out-of-pocket cost to $0 to $125. They note that the actual price can vary depending on factors like the dental office location and complexity of the x-ray.

Humana‘s dental resources page states that dental x-rays generally cost between $25 to $750, with the wide range due to factors such as the type of x-ray, location, and whether insurance is used. They recommend consulting with your dentist to get a more accurate estimate.

My Kool Smiles, a dental provider network, reports that panoramic x-rays typically cost $85 to $250 without insurance. They note that the cost can be lower if the patient has dental insurance or a dental savings plan.

The Mexico Dental Guide website provides a comparison of panoramic x-ray prices in the US versus Mexico. They state that in the US/Canada, the average cost is around $150, while in Mexico the price ranges from $15 to $120.

What Influences the Cost of Panoramic X-Rays?

Several important criteria affect the pricing, cost structure, and amount you will likely be charged for panoramic dental X-ray procedures:

Geographic Location and Population Density – Costs can vary widely for the same procedure based on the country, region, state, city size, and whether the dental facility is located in a major metropolitan urban area, smaller suburban community, or rural town. Larger cities and metro areas generally tend to have higher fees across services.

Type of Dental Facility – The costs charged by private independent or group dental clinics, community health centers, hospital radiology departments, and dental schools with training programs can differ significantly.

Dentist Specialization, Credentials and Experience – The more advanced expertise and specialized credentials a dentist or radiologist has, such as board certification in oral radiology, the higher the pricing is likely to be compared to general dentists. However, their advanced training may justify higher fees.

Inclusion of Additional Services and Follow-Up – If the panoramic X-ray is performed as part of a comprehensive dental health exam, consultation, or specific treatment plan, additional fees for the dentist’s time, examination, diagnostics, and any follow-up care recommendations will usually apply in addition to the scan itself.

Equipment Technology Levels – State-of-the-art digital panoramic X-ray equipment entails a higher expense to clinics, which can be passed on in their pricing. Older technology is usually more budget friendly.

Single X-Rays vs packaged Plans – Some dental offices offer discounted packaged deals if you pre-purchase multiple panoramic X-rays at once instead of paying each time, which saves money.

Insurance Coverage and Deductibles – The level of dental insurance coverage and applicable deductibles for panoramic X-rays and other imaging procedures impact your total out-of-pocket costs as a patient.

Dental Insurance Coverage and Payment Options – Having a solid grasp of how much insurance policies cover, what you will end up paying out-of-pocket, and available payment methods allows for accurate budgeting:

Panoramic X-Ray Coverage Through Dental Insurance Plans – Most standard dental insurance plans cover panoramic X-ray procedures at 50-100% up to contracted rates, with many requiring some percentage of coinsurance paid by the patient. Yearly limitations on frequency may also apply, often 1 panoramic image covered per 3-5 years. Get your exact policy details.

You might also like our articles about the cost of X-ray/Radiology Technician school, wisdom teeth removal, or cavity filling.

Self-Pay Options and Out-of-Pocket Costs – For uninsured patients, out-of-pocket costs for panoramic X-rays at full rates could range widely from $50 at a discounted dental school to $400 at a high-end private practice according to the location, facility fees, and any discounts offered. Payment installment plans through third party medical lenders may be available. Always request a pre-treatment cost estimate to avoid surprise bills.

Dental discount plans can provide 10-60% off costs for uninsured individuals, making services more budget-friendly. Cash-pay discounts may apply at some offices if paying at time of service.

Financing Offers – Many dental facilities work with lenders to offer 0% interest financing plans, allowing patients to pay off procedures over 6-12 months with predictable, budget-friendly payments rather than paying full costs in one large lump sum upfront.

This makes panoramic X-rays and other essential dental treatments more accessible and affordable for uninsured or underinsured families. Just be sure to read all terms closely.

Panoramic vs. Intraoral X-Ray Costs

To put panoramic X-ray pricing into proper context, it helps to compare costs against common intraoral films:

• Bitewing X-Rays (individual teeth) – $10-$75 per image
• Periapical films (individual tooth roots) – $8-$50 per image
• Occlusal view films (bite alignment) – $10-$75 per image

Whereas panoramic X-rays provide a single all-encompassing view of all teeth, jaw structure, sinuses, and other areas for $100-$400 per image. While panoramic films are more costly upfront, they often reduce the total number of X-rays needed for accurate diagnosis, and provide invaluable information that can prevent extensive treatments down the road, enhancing the long-term value.

Money-Saving Tips

Fortunately, patients have several options to help minimize costs and keep panoramic X-rays affordable based on their budget and resources:

• Ask clinics if they offer discounted cash-pay rates for uninsured patients – this avoids insurance markups.
• Take advantage of dental schools and universities’ student/faculty rates that are often 50-60% below private practice prices.
• Sign up for dental discount plans for 10-50% off panoramic X-rays and other services at reduced member rates.
• Inquire about any current promotions or specials the office may be offering, which can lead to significant savings.
• Have X-ray imaging performed alongside cleanings or exams to bundle procedures and maximize insurance benefits.
• Consider purchasing discounted prepaid packages for multiple future panoramic X-rays at once instead of paying each visit.
• Compare prices from different reputable providers to identify the most competitive rates.
• Stick to recommended frequency guidelines to avoid unnecessary repeat imaging and extra radiation exposure.

Final Words

Carefully weigh the costs in your area against the long-term value quality images provide through enhanced early diagnosis, optimized treatment planning, and the ability to prevent minor issues from becoming complex and expensive problems.

With appropriate dental insurance protections, smart shopping, discounted plans, and payment options, panoramic X-rays can be kept affordable as part of your regular oral healthcare routine.

No one should have to delay or go without these potentially life-saving diagnostic exams simply due to cost concerns. There are now more options than ever to find reduced rates and make dental care accessible. By being proactive and putting your needs first, you can take control of your oral health and radiographic diagnostic journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often are panoramic x-rays covered?

Most dental insurance plans cover panoramic x-rays once every 1-5 years, depending on individual risk factors. Higher risk patients may qualify for more frequent coverage. Always check your policy for details on coverage frequency, deductibles, and coinsurance for these images.

How long is panoramic XRAY valid?

With normal dental health changes, a panoramic x-ray remains valid diagnostically for 4-7 years in adult patients. More frequent imaging may be needed for high-risk patients or those with active dental issues. For children, updated panoramic films every 1-3 years are recommended to monitor growth and development.

Are panoramic x-rays more expensive?

Yes, panoramic x-rays tend to cost more than other common dental x-rays. A panoramic image surveys all teeth and surrounding bone/tissue in a single scan, providing valuable diagnostic information. Intraoral bitewing, periapical or occlusal x-rays focus only on a few teeth at a time, costing $10-$75 typically. The broader view comes at a higher price of $100-$300.

How often can you get a panoramic x-ray?

The FDA recommends limiting panoramic x-rays to once every 1-5 years for patients with normal risk. Higher risk patients, those undergoing orthodontia or surgery, and children may need images at 12–36-month intervals instead, as determined by a dentist. Too frequent radiation exposure should be avoided, so panoramic x-rays should only be taken as frequently as truly diagnostically necessary.