Reasons for taking radiographs in general dental practice.
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.
Osman
F
F
Scully
C
C
Dowell
T B
TB
Davies
R M
RM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006113:United Kingdom