Atlas · Plate IX · Dental Radiography · 04
Selection criteria
Images are prescribed after the clinical exam, based on each patient's needs rather than a calendar. A new adult usually gets bitewings plus a panoramic image or selected periapicals, with an FMX when disease is generalized. Recall bitewing intervals follow caries risk: every 6-18 months for high-risk adults and every 24-36 months for low-risk adults.
High-yield facts · 8
- Radiographs are prescribed after a clinical exam based on the patient's individual needs, not on a fixed schedule.S19
- New adult patient: usually posterior bitewings with a panoramic image or selected periapicals; an FMX for clinical evidence of generalized disease or extensive treatment history.S19
- Recall, adult with clinical caries or high caries risk: posterior bitewings every 6-18 months.S19
- Recall, adult with no caries and low risk: posterior bitewings every 24-36 months.S19
- Recall, child (primary or transitional) at high caries risk: bitewings every 6-12 months if proximal surfaces cannot be seen.S19
- Recall, child with no caries and low risk: bitewings every 12-24 months; adolescent at low risk: every 18-36 months.S19
- Periodontal disease: images chosen by clinical judgment (selected PAs and/or bitewings, vertical bitewings).S19
- Adolescents may get a panoramic or PAs to assess developing third molars.S19
Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.