title: Reasons for taking radiographs in general dental practice.
abstract: This survey investigated the reasons why general dental practitioners take radiographs. 179 (54%) dentists responded and provided information for 2359 patients who were radiographed during a specified week. Of those patients aged less than 15 yr, 62% were radiographed primarily for orthodontic purposes and 22% for caries. In older age groups, caries was the predominant reason for taking radiographs but endodontic assessment assumed increasing importance with age and accounted for 37% of radiographs in patients aged more than 45 yr. Only 8% of patients were radiographed for periodontal reasons. These findings are discussed with respect to the changing pattern of disease and treatment provided in general dental practice.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Osman
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Scully
authors.forename: T B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Dowell
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Davies
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006113:United Kingdom