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Radiographic examination of edentulous mouths.
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, State University of New York, School of Dental Medicine, Stony Brook.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Routine dental radiographs for edentulous patients seeking new dentures are not recommended. A study found few issues, suggesting clinical exams are sufficient, discouraging unnecessary radiation exposure.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Oral Radiology
Background:
- Dentists often take radiographs for edentulous patients seeking denture replacements.
- Current guidelines suggest X-rays should only be taken when necessary for patient health.
- Concerns exist regarding disease incidence patterns and cumulative radiation effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the necessity of routine dental radiographs in edentulous patients requesting new dentures.
- To assess the diagnostic yield of radiographs in this patient population.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations on radiographic practices for edentulous patients.
Main Methods:
- A study examined 300 edentulous ridges in patients seeking new maxillary and mandibular dentures.
- Patients with clinically apparent findings requiring radiographic investigation were excluded.
- Focus was on patients treated elsewhere and requesting replacement dentures.
Main Results:
- Radiographs revealed only one impacted tooth requiring extraction among the 300 edentulous ridges.
- The low incidence of significant findings suggests limited diagnostic value of routine radiography.
- Thorough patient history and clinical examination appear adequate for most edentulous patients.
Conclusions:
- Routine radiographic examination of edentulous patients seeking replacement dentures should be discouraged.
- Diagnosis should prioritize comprehensive patient history and clinical assessment.
- Radiographs should be utilized selectively when indicated by clinical findings, not as a standard procedure.