Adults
Adolescents
Children
Frequency
New Patients
Justification
Recall Patients
- Monitor caries progression.
- Evaluate changes in oral structures.
- Monitor caries progression.
- Assess development and eruption of permanent teeth.
- Monitor caries progression.
- Assess development and eruption of permanent teeth.
- Monitor caries progression.
- Evaluate changes in oral structures.
- Establish baseline
- Evaluate dental condition.
- Bitewings every 18-36 months, depending on caries risk and periodontal status.
- Panoramic every 5-10 years, depending on clinical indication.
- Bitewings every 6-18 months, depending on caries risk and eruption patterns.
- Panoramic by age 12-16, or when necessary for treatment planning.
- Bitewings every 6-12 months, depending on caries risk and eruption patterns.
- Panoramic by age 7 or when necessary for treatment planning.
- Bitewing radiographs every 6-18 months, depending on caries risk and history.
- Panoramic radiograph every 3-5 years.
- Initial radiographs as needed, based on clinical judgment.
- Full-mouth series may be considered.
Ada Recommendations
For Prescribing Dental Radiographs
The primary reason for obtaining radiographs in new patients is to establish a baseline to compare against future changes. They help in diagnosing existing issues and planning for potential treatments by providing a detailed view of the teeth, bones, and supporting tissues of the mouth.
New Patients
Justification of Radiographs
These radiographs help in monitoring progression of dental caries and other changes in oral structures. For patients with a history of or high risk for dental diseases, more frequent imaging may be necessary to closely monitor their condition.
Recall Patients
Justification of Radiographs
Adolescents are recommended to have bitewing radiographs at a frequency similar to high-risk children, which is every 6-18 months. A panoramic radiograph should be taken around the ages of 12-16, especially when planning for orthodontic treatment.
Adolescents
Frequency of Radiographs
Regular radiographs in children are essential for monitoring caries progression and assessing the development and eruption of permanent teeth. These images help in early detection and treatment of dental issues, promoting better oral health.
Children
Justification of Radiographs
During adolescence, dental care focuses on monitoring caries progression and the development of the permanent teeth, including the wisdom teeth. Panoramic radiographs are particularly useful for assessing the growth and position of these teeth as part of comprehensive orthodontic treatment planning.
Adolescents
Justification of Radiographs
For patients returning for regular check-ups, bitewing radiographs are recommended every 6-18 months, depending on the individual's risk of dental caries. A panoramic radiograph, which captures the entire mouth in a single image, may be advised every 3-5 years.
Recall Patients
Frequency of Radiographs
New patients may require a set of initial radiographs to assist in the comprehensive assessment of oral health. A full-mouth series of radiographs, which typically consists of 18 to 20 periapical and bitewing films, can be considered if there's no current diagnostic-quality radiographs available.
New Patients
Frequency of Radiographs
Children should have bitewing radiographs at intervals of 6-12 months if they have a higher risk for caries. A panoramic radiograph is recommended by age 7 or when there's a need for orthodontic treatment planning.
Children
Frequency of Radiographs
Adults should have bitewing radiographs at a frequency of 18-36 months based on caries risk and periodontal health. A panoramic radiograph is suggested every 5-10 years, unless specific clinical conditions necessitate more frequent imaging.
Adults
Frequency of Radiographs
For adults, the use of radiographs aids in the monitoring of caries progression, the evaluation of periodontal status, and the identification of any changes in oral structures. They are a key component in maintaining oral health and managing ongoing dental conditions.
Adults
Justification of Radiographs
