Bitewing Examination to Detect Caries in Children and Adolescents – When and How Often?

From Volume 32, Issue 10, December 2005 | Pages 588-597

Authors

Ingegerd Mejàre

Professor in Paediatric Dentistry, Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Odontology, Centre for Oral Sciences, Malmö University, Sweden

Articles by Ingegerd Mejàre

Abstract

It is generally agreed that the decision to take bitewing radiographs for detecting caries should be based on the benefit to the individual patient in relation to the risks associated with low dose radiation exposure and the costs. There is incomplete knowledge about the effectiveness of various methods for selecting individuals who will benefit from bitewing examination. Available knowledge suggests, however, that our ability to identify correctly those who will benefit is limited. It may, therefore, be more effective to combine population-and individual-based selection criteria. For this purpose, four key ages and individual-based criteria between the key ages are suggested.

Article