POLICY ON RADIOGAPH
In accordance with the guidelines set forth by the ADA (American Dental Association), AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), Newport Pediatric Dentistry would like to communicate our policies on exposing dental radiographs on our patients.
We understand your concern with exposing your child to x-rays. Therefore, we will only take x-rays that are necessary to provide your child with the best clinical care. Our state of the art digital x-ray equipment allows us to obtain the best diagnostic images while using the smallest amount of radiation possible. Digital radiography has decreased the amount of radiation exposure by 90% compared to standard x-ray film.
Child with all baby teeth
Occlusal x-rays of the upper and lower teeth along with Bitewings of back teeth if teeth are touching and cannot perform visual examination of proximal surfaces (surfaces between each tooth).
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.
Adolescent with all adult 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
All returning patients regardless of teeth present
Bitewings of back teeth at 1 yr to 2 yrs intervals if posterior teeth have contacts and does not allow for visual examination. The interval for x ray will be decided after evaluating whether the child has high caries risk or not.
* 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
