Guidelines for Prescribing Dental Radiographs
Children Prior to the Eruption of Permanent Teeth
Adopted by The Committee on Pedodontic Radiology under review by the
Council on Clinical Affairs, The American Academy of Pediatric
Dentistry.
1) Posterior bitewings if surfaces cannot been directly visualized
2) Additional periapical xrays of upper and lower front teeth and or panoramic series
3)For children with a history of decay or a predelection thereto,
posterior bitewing radiographs to be repeated at six month intervals,
until no carious lesions are further evident.
4) For children not exhibiting a history of decay or lacking
corresponding risk factors, the posterior bitewings are to be repeated
at 12 month intervals.
5) History of periodontal disease or treatment, the child should have radiographs of selected problem areas.
6) Growth and Development radiographs are not indicated at this age.
Transitional Dentition, following the eruption of at least one permanent tooth
1) Individualized radiographic recommendations, based upon the dentist's clinical judgment.
2) Posterior bitewing xrays every six months until no carious lesions
are evident, on individuals with a clinical caries or a history of
such.
3) Posterior bitewings evry 12 to 24 months if no history of decay and or not carious lesions present.
4) For individuals with a history of periodontal disease, individualized films of the affected areas.
5) Panoramic films to evaluate the growth an development
Adolescents Prior to the Eruption of the Third Molars
1) Individualized film series or a complete series on individuals with
a history of dental decay or evident decay or periodontal disease
2)Posterior bitewings 6-12 month intervals or until no carious lesions
present on individuals with a history of decay or visual caries
3)Posterior bitewings every 18 to 36 months for individuals with no clinical signs of decay or low risk thereto.
4) Individual films of affected areas in individuals with a history or current periodontal disease.
5) Panoramic examination of third molars
Dentulous After the Eruption of Third Molars
1)Same as above, except for the following:
A) Individuals with decay or risks should have bitewing xrays at 12 to 18 month intervals.
B) Individuals with a low risk of decay and no visible caries should have bitewings evry 24 to 36 months