How Much Does a Cone Beam CT Scan Cost?
A cone beam CT is a special type of x-ray equipment used when regular facial x-rays are not sufficient. This technology is able to produce 3D images of your teeth, nerves and bones all in a single scan.
This type of scan is often used for dental implants, oral surgery, oral pathology and orthodontics.
How much does a cone beam CT scan cost?
The cost of a cone beam CT will depend on the doctor/dentist, geographical location and if insurance is involved. The average cone beam CT, without insurance, will cost anywhere between $250 and $600. If your dental or health insurance covers the cost of a regular CT or x-ray, it may also cover the cost of a CBCT. If so, you will only be responsible for the deductible or co-pay.
According to Charlotteoralsurgery.com, a cone beam scan costs approximately $395. This is a lot more expensive than other procedures such as panoramic view; however, the company claims it provides a vastly larger amount of clinical data, which can be very beneficial for both the patient and the dentist.
Kazemi Oral Surgery, located in Maryland, lists their prices and says they charge $250 for a scan.
For the actual Dental Cone Beam CT machine itself, the price ranges from $60,000 to over a hundred thousand dollars. BuyDentalEquipment.coml, for example, lists some of the available machines you can buy directly from the site. For the machine alone, the average price of $140,000 was given by Webdental.com.
Cone beam CT scan overview
Regardless of the purpose of the scan is, whether it’s for oral surgery, an orthodontic planning, implant anchorage or periodontal disease, the estimates above will include the costs for the CT scan only. In the event that additional procedures were needed, there would be a separate fee for it.
The process of the scan is relatively easy. Unlike the traditional CT scanner, the time needed for a full scan is typically under one minute (10-40 seconds only). Although it is brief, the images taken from a cone beam CT scan are generally high-resolution and are rarely distorted. Aside from the cone beam scan, you also need to factor in the registration process, positioning, scanning, and verification, which, when all combined, can take up to 30 minutes to complete.
During the scan, you will be asked to sit in the chair, and the C-arm or gantry will rotate around the head in a complete 360-degree rotation while capturing multiple images from different angles. These images are then restructured to create 3D images, and on average, it can produce up to 200 high resolution for the dentist/surgeon to analyze. Like any x-ray or scan, no pain will be felt.
What are the extra costs?
A scan is another option a dentist may consider after an initial diagnosis. Aside from the scan, you may need to pay an office visit, which can vary anywhere from $50 to $100 per visit.
If a dentist spots any problems due to the CT scan, more work may need to be scheduled in the future.
Tips to know:
The radiation dosage is up to a hundred times less than that of a regular CT scan or x-ray.
Unlike regular X-rays, CT scans can discriminate between many types of tissue including bone, teeth, nerves and soft tissue.
A cone beam CT generally requires no special preparations, with the exception of removing any metal objects before the scan starts.
How can I save money?
See if your insurance company cover the costs of the scan. That way, you will be able to save a great deal of money. If you do not have a health insurance policy, consider checking health insurance policies for free at eHealthInsurance.com. The University of Michigan says most dental insurance companies won’t cover a CBCT scan unless it was ordered due to trauma, pathology or a sinus evaluation.
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Average Reported Cost: $2000
How much did you spend?
- B (Ellicott City, Maryland) paid $300 and said:
I’m not sure that it was worth it. I wasn’t given a clear cut answer of why my tooth cracked at the root.
Was it worth it? Yes
- Frank Fiorentino (Miami, Florida) paid $3700 and said:
1850 per scan.
Was it worth it? Yes
