Dental Radiograph Guide
ADA-based X-ray frequency recommendations by patient age group and caries risk. Use this as a reference — your dentist makes the final clinical decision based on your individual needs.
Find Your Recommendation
Full ADA Reference Table
| Patient Type | Low Risk | Moderate Risk | High Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child (primary teeth) | Posterior bitewings every 12–24 mo if proximal surfaces can't be examined | Posterior bitewings every 6–12 mo | Posterior bitewings every 6 mo |
| Child (mixed) | Posterior bitewings every 12–24 mo | Posterior bitewings every 6–12 mo | Posterior bitewings every 6 mo |
| Adolescent | Posterior bitewings every 18–36 mo | Posterior bitewings every 12–18 mo | Posterior bitewings every 6–12 mo |
| Adult — New patient | Full mouth series (FMX) or panoramic + bitewings — regardless of risk | ||
| Adult — Recall (no cavities) | Posterior bitewings every 24–36 mo | Posterior bitewings every 18 mo | Posterior bitewings every 6–18 mo |
| Edentulous patient | Panoramic only if clinically indicated | ||