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The Cost of X-Rays and Fillings: What You Need to Know

February 23, 2025
Topics: Patients
Written by: Lisa Rasmussen

Dental costs can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of what you’re paying for. Whether you have insurance or not, the price of dental X-rays and fillings varies widely depending on your location, dentist, and treatment plan. But what if you could save money on dental care without sacrificing quality? Here yo will see the cost of x-Rays and fillings:

The Pain Point: Why Are Dental Costs So High?

Many people avoid the dentist because of the high costs of exams, X-rays, and fillings. Insurance coverage isn’t always reliable, and out-of-pocket expenses can be shocking—especially for those without a dental plan.

Here’s the truth: The cost of dental care depends on several factors, including the type of X-ray, the number of fillings needed, and whether you have insurance. Let’s break down the costs and explore ways to save money on your dental care.


How Much Do Dental X-Rays and Fillings Cost?

Here’s a general cost breakdown based on typical dental pricing:

Procedure With Insurance Without Insurance
Bitewing X-rays (checkup) $0 – $50 $25 – $150
Full-mouth X-rays (FMX) $0 – $100 $85 – $250
Single Surface Filling $25 – $150 $90 – $250
Two-Surface Filling $40 – $200 $150 – $400
Three-Surface Filling $50 – $250 $250 – $600

Tip: Prices vary by location, dentist, and materials used (amalgam vs. composite fillings). Always ask for an estimate before treatment.


How to Save on Dental X-Rays and Fillings (Even Without Insurance)

1. Use an In-Office Membership Plan

Many dental offices now offer in-house membership plans that provide discounted services for a flat yearly fee. These plans bypass traditional insurance and save patients hundreds of dollars annually.

Example: Instead of paying $250+ for an X-ray and exam, a membership plan might reduce your cost to $50 – $75 per visit with unlimited exams.

No waiting periods
No claim denials
Immediate savings

Find a dentist with a membership plan near you: Visit The Patient Marketplace


2. Check for Local Dental Discount Plans

Instead of traditional insurance, discount dental plans offer 20%-50% off most procedures, including X-rays and fillings. Sites like DentalPlans.com connect patients with affordable dentists nationwide.

✔ Lower fees
✔ No monthly insurance premiums
✔ Immediate access to discounts


3. Visit a Dental School for Affordable Care

Dental schools often provide low-cost X-rays and fillings performed by supervised students. While this takes more time, the savings can be 50% or more compared to private practices.

Find a dental school near you: Search for ADA-accredited schools in your area.


4. Negotiate Prices & Ask for Cash Discounts

Many dentists offer discounts for cash payments, often reducing the bill by 10% or more. Additionally, some offices offer payment plans for uninsured patients.

Pro Tip: If you’re paying out of pocket, ask if the office can match competitors’ pricing or offer a new patient special.


5. Compare Prices on The Patient Marketplace

Instead of guessing dental costs, use The Patient Marketplace to compare local dental pricing and membership plans.

Why use The Patient Marketplace?
✔ Find dentists that offer affordable membership plans
✔ Compare pricing for X-rays and fillings
Book directly with money-saving options

Get started now: Visit The Patient Marketplace


Real Savings: How Patients Cut Their Dental Costs

Meet Sarah: She needed a full-mouth X-ray and three fillings but didn’t have insurance. After researching, she:

Joined a dental membership plan for $99/year
Saved 30% on her X-rays and fillings
Paid $350 instead of $800+ out-of-pocket

“I used The Patient Marketplace to find a dentist offering a membership plan, and I saved hundreds of dollars in just one visit!” – Sarah M.


Final Thoughts: Save Big on Your Next Dental Visit

Dental care doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you have insurance or not, there are many ways to lower your costs for X-rays and fillings.

Join a dental membership plan
Use discount dental programs
Check for dental school clinics
Negotiate for cash discounts
Compare prices on The Patient Marketplace

Take action today! Find an affordable, high-quality dentist near you:
Explore The Patient Marketplace Now

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Jordon Comstock

Author Bio

Jordon Comstock is the Founder & CEO of BoomCloud™, a software that allows practice, clinic & spa owners to build, manage and scale a membership program. Jordon loves helping patients save on care & writing tips in dentistry, optometry and the spa industries. Jordon is passionate about music, Hawaii, Healthcare businesses like: dentistry, optometry, med spas and massage spas.