My dentist offered me bitewing x-rays yesterday. From the chair, I asked Twitter whether I needed them.
https://twitter.com/afrakt/status/529380232881766400
I received two, informative replies. First, oral surgeon Sarah Davies, DDS, MD suggested annual bitewings and “maybe” panoramic x-rays every five years. Second, NYU Associate Professor Heather Gold pointed me to these ADA/FDA recommendations. If I’m reading them correctly (and this is based on just a quick look), I believe they recommend posterior bitewing x-rays on 1.5-3 year intervals.
Anyone with knowledge or references have anything else to say on this matter? Comments open for one week from date of posting.
P.S./pro tip: Future Austin or you can pull this post up for reference the next time the dentist offers x-rays. That’s why I’m posting this.
P.P.S.: More here, the upshot to which is don’t get bitewing x-rays annually.
