Has your dentist recently recommended a CBCT or cone beam scan? If so, you're probably wondering what this is, what it does and... how much will it cost?
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has become a vital diagnostic tool to your dentist, offering high-resolution 3D images for everything from implant planning to endodontics and airway analysis.
At Renew Digital, we specialize in certified pre-owned dental CBCT equipment, and we work with your dentist and dental practices across the country who provide these services every day.
We've been doing this for over 14 years now, helping dentists and specialists save money on their equipment, so they can provide optimal care and affordable costs.
Here's what you—and your patients—need to know about the cost of CBCT imaging, with and without insurance.
Typical Cost of a CBCT Scan Without Insurance
For patients paying out of pocket, the cost of a CBCT scan can range depending on the field of view (FOV), location, and purpose of the scan.
Average Cost Ranges:
-
Small FOV (limited area): $150 – $350
-
Medium FOV (e.g., quadrant or arch): $300 – $450
-
Large FOV (full mouth, sinus, TMJ, or airway): $400 – $700+
Specialized CBCT scans for complex procedures like full-arch implant planning or sleep apnea evaluation can run higher. Practices with in-house CBCT often offer better pricing than imaging centers, especially if the scan is part of a larger treatment plan.
CBCT Scan Costs With Dental Insurance
Dental insurance plans often cover CBCT scans when medically necessary, especially for:
-
Implant planning
-
Wisdom tooth extractions
-
Endodontic diagnosis
-
TMJ evaluation
-
Oral surgery or pathology
However, coverage varies widely by plan and provider. Some insurance plans may:
-
Cover the scan in full
-
Require a co-pay or coinsurance
-
Limit the number of scans per year
-
Require pre-authorization
Patients with high-deductible plans or limited diagnostic coverage may still pay a significant portion out of pocket.
Medical Insurance for CBCT Scans
In some cases—such as airway analysis for sleep apnea diagnosis, sinus evaluation, or TMJ dysfunction—medical insurance may apply. For this, the provider typically needs:
-
A medical diagnosis
-
Proper documentation and referral
-
Pre-authorization from the medical insurer
When billed correctly, medical insurance can offer broader coverage for CBCT than dental insurance, but the process is often more complex.
Why the Cost Varies
The price of a CBCT scan isn’t just about the scan itself—it reflects the equipment, training, and software required to acquire and interpret the image.
-
High-quality CBCT machines can cost between $50,000 and $150,000 new, which means offices need to recoup those investments.
-
CBCT scans must be interpreted by qualified clinicians, sometimes involving 3D planning software or radiology reports.
-
Practices that purchase certified pre-owned CBCT machines, like those offered by Renew Digital, often pass on cost savings to patients.
How Dentists Can Offer Affordable CBCT Imaging
At Renew Digital, we provide dental professionals with certified pre-owned CBCT systems from leading manufacturers like Carestream, Planmeca, Sirona, Vatech, and more. Our customers are able to save tens of thousands of dollars on high-quality equipment—and in turn, many pass those savings along to their patients.
When dentists can lower their equipment investment without sacrificing image quality, it becomes easier to:
-
Offer competitive scan pricing
-
Bundle imaging into larger treatment plans
-
Use CBCT to enhance diagnostics and improve outcomes—without pricing patients out
Conclusion: Cost Transparency Helps Everyone
Whether you're a patient considering a scan or a dentist investing in CBCT technology, understanding the cost structure is key. A CBCT scan might cost as little as $150 or as much as $700, depending on insurance, purpose, and provider—but investing in the right equipment (at the right price) benefits both clinicians and patients.
Dentists: Want to offer CBCT in your practice without breaking the bank?
Explore certified pre-owned CBCT systems from Renew Digital and discover how you can deliver exceptional imaging and diagnostics—while keeping patient care affordable.
🔗 Learn more at www.renewdigital.com or speak with one of our equipment specialists today.
