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In accordance with the guidelines set forth by the ADA (American Dental Association) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), Pediatric Dental Healthcare would like to communicate our policies on exposing dental radiographs on our patients.
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New Patients (initial evaluation for dental disease and dental development)
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Child with all baby teeth
Occlusal x-rays of the front top and bottom teeth along with Bitewings of back teeth if teeth are touching and visual examination of proximal tooth surfaces (surfaces between each tooth) can not be performed
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Child with mixed dentition (baby and adult teeth present)
Bitewing x-rays of back teeth to detect cavities between the teeth and a panoramic x-ray to evaluate any dental abnormalities
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Adolescent with all adult teeth (except wisdom teeth)
Bitewing x-rays of back teeth to detect cavities between the teeth as well as any generalized dental disease and a panoramic x-ray to evaluate any dental abnormalities
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Recall Patients (with cavities or increased risk of cavities*)
All returning patients regardless of teeth present
Bitewings of back teeth at 6-12 month intervals if visual examination of proximal tooth surfaces
can not be performed
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* Factors which may increase the risk of cavities include but are not limited to:
• high occurrence of cavities, recurrent cavities or demineralization (white spot lesions on enamel)
• prolonged nursing (both bottle or breast)
• a diet which has a high sugar/fermentable carbohydrate content
• genetic abnormality of teeth, developmental or acquired enamel defects
• poor oral hygiene, poor family dental health
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Recall Patients (with no cavities or increased risk of cavities)
Children with all baby teeth OR both baby and permanent teeth present
Bitewings of back teeth at 12 - 24 month intervals if visual examination of proximal tooth surfaces can not be performed
Adolescent with all adult teeth (except wisdom teeth)
Bitewings of back teeth at 12 - 36 month intervals
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Upon clinical review of your child’s oral health, dental radiographs (x-ray) may be deemed necessary to provide a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s treatment needs. X-rays are prescribed on a case-by-case basis. Following are clinical situations where dental x-rays are deemed necessary:
• history of cavities, pain or trauma
• family history of dental abnormalities (i.e. missing teeth, extra teeth)
• monitoring of post-operative healing
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