What affects the cost of dental X-Rays in Singapore?

To follow up on Dr Toh's detailed answer, in general here are the 5 types of dental xrays and general costs:

1. Periapical xrays ( these are the small ones to zoom in for one or two teeth, including root and surrounding bone)

Price estimated at $ 25 - 50 (depends on clinic location)

2. Bitewing xrays (also small, to diagnose any decay inbetween upper and lower back teeth, very useful!)

Price estimated at $ 25 - 50 (depends on clinic location)

3. Orthopantomogram (OPG) (Full mouth xray, can see sinus and sometimes jaw joints also. Good for general overview of teeth and jaw bones)

Price estimated at $ 70 - 150 (depends on clinic location)

4. Cone Beam CT Scan ( 3D Scan, for more complex analysis like checking bone density for implant placement)

Price estimated at $ 150 - 300 (depends on clinic location)

5. Lateral Cephalogram ( Side view to analyse bone shape and teeth angles - mainly for braces)

Price estimated at $ 150 - 300 (depends on clinic location)

It depends on what the xray is for. But as you can clearly see, xrays are very helpful in any treatment planning and diagnosis process because we are limited to what we can see externally in the mouth.

Hope this helps and all the best.

Regards,

Dr Beth

There are many types of dental X-rays with different indications.

Some are taken to check for buried teeth or to survey the jawbone (an orthopantomogram or OPG). Other X-rays (bitewings) are used to check for cavities hidden in between the teeth and to check how much bone is remaining around your teeth. If you have a toothache or a dental abscess, then your dentist will usually take a periapical X-ray to assess the root of the tooth and the surrounding tissues.

These 3 types of X-rays (OPG, bitewings and periapicals) form part of the routine radiographic examination for a general dental patient.

Other dental X-rays are used for purposes such as pre-orthodontic screening (lateral cephalogram), or as part of 3D implant planning (Cone beam CT). These will be prescribed on a case by case basis.

Since there are many different types of dental X-rays, even other more exotic types beyond those I have described, the prices for individual X-rays vary. X-ray prices in Singapore range from $20 - $300.

Please do ask the clinic for the cost of X-rays prior to your appointment. Ultimately, the type and number of X-rays you need depend on what your clinical examination reveals.