The expected benefits from alternative frequencies of bitewing radiograms

Michael Shwartz, Joseph S. Pliskin, Hans Göran Gröndahl, Joseph Boffa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

From an analysis of serial bitewing radiograms, we have developed a mathematical model of the initiation and progression of approximal carious lesions in the permanent teeth. The model is used to estimate the expected number of lesions, per individual, not detected until they reach the inner half of the dentin, as a function of the frequency with which radiograms are taken between the ages of 8 and 20 years. If radiograms are performed every 6 months and lesions not restored until radiolucencies appear in the dentin, under 5% of all lesions developing over the 12-year period will reach the inner half of the dentin before detection. If radiograms are taken every 2 years, about 18% of all lesions will have reached the inner half of the dentin before detection. The sensitivity of these conclusions to different assumptions is examined.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)11-16
Number of pages6
JournalActa Odontologica Scandinavica
Volume44
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 1986

Keywords

  • Dental caries;
  • Dental radiograms

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Dentistry

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