Dental X-rays are essential tools for accurate diagnosis and successful treatment.
Types of dental X-rays and their costs
In Peru, there are different types of dental X-rays, each with a specific purpose. Below are the most common ones and their average costs:
1. Periapical X-ray (per dental piece)
- Price: between S/25 and S/50.
- Use: allows observation of a particular tooth, its root, and the surrounding bone. It is used to diagnose deep cavities, abscesses, or root problems.
- Advantage: quick, simple, and low cost.
2. Bite-wing X-ray
- Price: between S/30 and S/60.
- Use: generally taken as two to four plates to assess the presence of interproximal cavities and the condition of the bone.
- Advantage: widely used in general preventive dentistry.
3. Occlusal X-ray
- Price: between S/40 and S/80.
- Use: shows larger areas of the mouth, such as the palate or the floor of the oral cavity.
- Advantage: useful in a pediatric dental clinic and for diagnosing retained teeth.
4. Panoramic X-ray (orthopantomography)
- Price: between S/80 and S/150.
- Use: shows the entire mouth in a single image, including teeth, jaws, temporomandibular joints, and maxillary sinuses.
- Advantage: it is the most requested for orthodontic specialists, third molar surgeries, and comprehensive treatments.
5. Cephalometric X-ray
- Price: between S/100 and S/180.
- Use: primarily used in orthodontics to analyze the growth of the jaws and the position of the teeth in relation to the skull.
- Advantage: indispensable in treatment plans with advanced orthodontic specialists.
The panoramic X-ray is the most requested and offers a complete view of the mouth, being essential for comprehensive treatments.
6. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT 3D)
- Price: between S/200 and S/500, depending on the area analyzed.
- Use: provides a three-dimensional view of bones, teeth, and soft tissues.
- Advantage: maximum precision in dental implants, complex endodontics, and maxillofacial surgeries.
🤔 What dental X-ray do I need according to my treatment?
| Type of X-ray | Price (S/) | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| Periapical | 25 – 50 | Diagnosis of deep cavities and abscesses |
| Bite-wing | 30 – 60 | Preventive control and evaluation of interproximal cavities |
| Occlusal | 40 – 80 | Diagnosis of retained teeth and palate problems |
| Panoramic | 80 – 150 | Comprehensive treatments and surgeries |
| Cephalometric | 100 – 180 | Analysis of jaw growth and tooth position |
| Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT 3D) | 200 – 500 | Dental implants and maxillofacial surgeries |
📊 Factors that influence the price of a dental X-ray
The cost is not the same in all clinics. Some determining factors are:
- Type of X-ray: while a periapical costs little, a 3D tomography can quintuple the price.
- Location of the clinic: in Lima, costs tend to be higher than in provinces.
- Technology used: digital equipment usually has a higher initial cost but offers better image quality and lower radiation.
- Required specialty: in orthodontics or implantology, more complex X-rays are often requested.
- Promotional packages: some dental centers offer X-rays included in the consultation or discounts for multiple takes.
👨⚕️ Why are dental X-rays important?
Although some patients consider it an extra expense, X-rays represent a future savings, as they allow:
- Detect hidden cavities.
- Evaluate infections in roots or bone.
- Plan extractions, endodontics, or implants.
- Verify the eruption of teeth in children and adolescents.
- Diagnose problems in the jaw joint.
Without them, the dentist would work blindly, increasing the risk of incomplete diagnoses and complications.
🛡️ Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes. Current X-rays, especially digital ones, emit very low levels of radiation. A panoramic X-ray, for example, emits less radiation than a one-hour flight.
Additionally, dentists use lead aprons and thyroid collars to further reduce exposure.
💰 Is the X-ray included in the dental consultation?
It depends on each clinic. Some offer the basic periapical X-ray as part of the first consultation, while others charge separately. Panoramic and tomographic X-rays, due to their cost and special equipment, are almost always paid separately.
| City | Price Periapical X-ray (S/) | Price Panoramic X-ray (S/) | Price 3D Tomography (S/) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lima | 30 – 50 | 80 – 150 | 200 – 400 |
| Arequipa | 25 – 45 | 70 – 130 | 180 – 350 |
| Trujillo | 25 – 45 | 70 – 120 | 150 – 300 |
Dental X-rays are a long-term investment that ensures oral health and prevents future complications.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
In Lima, a dental X-ray usually costs between S/30 and S/80, depending on the type of study and the clinic where it is performed.
You can get an affordable dental X-ray at dental radiological centers, independent dental clinics, and some offices that have digital equipment.
The cost of a panoramic dental X-ray in Peru generally ranges between S/50 and S/120, depending on the city and the technology used.
In cities like Lima, Arequipa, or Trujillo, the average prices of dental X-rays range from S/30 for simple X-rays to S/120 for panoramic studies.
The most common types are the periapical X-ray (S/30 – S/50), bite-wing (S/30 – S/50), and panoramic (S/50 – S/120), with variations depending on the center and the equipment used.
Yes. Having braces does not prevent a panoramic X-ray. This study allows visualization of teeth, jaws, and bone structures even during orthodontic treatment. In some cases, braces may cause slight interferences in the image, but generally do not affect the diagnosis.
