What is the Cost of a Dental X-ray?

Dental X-ray Price Comparison – Factors, Clinics & Best Options

Whether to detect cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral issues, the first step a dentist takes is to perform a dental X-ray. This crucial diagnostic tool helps to choose the right treatment plan and long-term care strategy.

From knowing the cost and the factors that influence it to exploring the different types of dental X-rays available, everything you need to know is covered here.

What is Called a Dental X-ray?

Dental X-rays, also known as radiographs, are internal photographs of teeth and jaws. Dentists opt for X-rays to evaluate structures they find difficult to see during a routine dental checkup, which includes examining the nerves, jawbone, sinuses and teeth roots.

What is the Cost of a Dental X-ray in India?

The average price range of dental X-rays in India is Rs. 200 - Rs. 1,000. The cost varies based on several factors, especially the type of X-ray required and the particular clinic. Other factors that significantly impact the cost are the recommended additional diagnostics, the patient's current condition, and the complexity of the case.

How do dental X-rays work?

Dental X-rays use electromagnetic radiations to capture images of your mouth, like X-rays taken for other parts of the body. The electromagnetic radiations beam passes through your soft tissues and generate your teeth and bones images. Furthermore, Dental X-rays may be traditional or digital. Digital dental X-rays utilize 80% to 90% less radiation in comparison of traditional dental X-ray machines.

What Issues Can Dental X-Rays Identify?

When treating adults, dentists perform dental X-rays to:

• See parts of tooth decay (may not be visible during an oral exam). It is more helpful when detecting minor tooth decay between the teeth.
• Detects decay developing beneath a current filling.
• Identify bone loss, which often develops with gum disease.
• Tap bone changes due to any infection.
• Detects changes in the root canal due to infection.
• Prepare the candidates for tooth implants, dentures, braces, or other dental procedures.
• Detects an abscess, a painful, swollen area at the root of a tooth or between the tooth and gum.

When it comes to treating children, dentists perform dental X-rays to:

• Monitor for tooth decay.
• Determine whether there is sufficient space in the mouth to fit all teeth in the coming days.
• Determine if the existing teeth are falling out quickly enough to make room for the permanent teeth to erupt properly.
• Asses the development of wisdom teeth
• Detect whether the wisdom teeth are impacted and develop through the gums
• Reveal other dental abnormalities, such as cysts and some types of tumours in children

Different types of dental X-rays

There are two primary types of dental X-rays:

1. Intraoral: The images inside your mouth.
2. Extraoral: The images outside your mouth.

Intraoral X-rays

Intraoral X-rays are classified into three distinct types:

1. Periapical X-rays

• Dentists perform a periapical X-ray to assess your entire tooth structure, from the root tip to the crown. They opt for this type to identify gum disease, decay, bone loss and other dental issues related to the tooth or surrounding bone.

2. Occlusal X-rays

• When a dentist needs to find issues in the roof or floor of your mouth, they perform occlusal X-rays. Getting these images is helpful when treating conditions such as fractured teeth or assessing the roots of your front teeth.

3. Bitewing X-rays

• These X-rays help detect decay between your teeth or changes that develop exactly below the gum line. Note that Bitewing X-rays can not reveal the roots of your teeth.

Extraoral X-rays

Extraoral X-rays are also classified into several types. They are:

1. Cephalometric X-rays

• When your dentist needs to detect the alignment of your teeth relative to your jaw structure, they perform cephalometric X-rays. Mainly, orthodontists, who specialise in correcting bites, often use these X-rays to create treatment plans.

2. Panoramic X-rays

• A panoramic dental X-ray is considered the best way to get an overview of a mouth in a single image. It reveals images of the jaw joints, upper and lower teeth, sinuses, nerves, and bones associated with them.

3. Cone Beam CT Scan

• It is an advanced procedure preferred by dentists to capture 3D images of teeth, nerves, jaws, joints, and sinuses. It is helpful when detecting facial fractures due to an accident or oral tumours.

When considering safety, dental X-rays are safe. The amount of radiation you get during dental X-rays is the same as the amount of radiation you absorb from TVs, desktops and smartphones. So, no need to worry!

Are Dental X-rays safe?

The radiation risk from dental X-rays is quite less. Indeed, the amount of radiation you get from the dental X-ray is equivalent to the radiation amount you absorb from things including:

• Background radiation from stars, the sun and the earth itself.
• Building material like granite countertops and Ceramic floor tiles.
• Smartphones, Computers, as well as TVs.

However, dental X-rays can be harmful and may even increase risk of cancer in extremely large doses. That’s why you should have X-rays as per the necessities.

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