Comparison of panoramic and bitewing radiography for the detection of dental caries: a systematic review of diagnostic tests
Taylor-Weetman K, Wake B, Hyde C
Record ID 32002000724
English
Authors' objectives:
The review aimed to compare bitewings to orthopantomogram (OPT) for the detection of dental caries.
Authors' recommendations:
Although the present guidelines are clear that OPT should not be taken for the detection of dental caries alone, there is concern that panoramic radiographs are still being taken solely for the diagnosis of dental caries, and this is clearly not acceptable, both in terms of unnecessary x-ray exposure to the patient but also unnecessary expense both to the patient and the NHS.
It is therefore the consideration of this review that the selection criteria need to be reinforced as guidelines for practice, clearly stating that panoramic radiography should not be used solely for the diagnosis of dental caries and the evidence as presented in this review be stated to show that there is no evidence that panoramic radiographs provide no more information on dental caries than that provided by the current standard practice of bitewing radiographs. Furthermore checks could be carried out by the Department of Health, to whom the Dental Practice Board of England and Wales is responsible, to ensure that panoramic radiography is not being used inappropriately.
Authors' methods:
Systematic review
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/Documents/college-mds/haps/projects/WMHTAC/REPreports/2002/dental_caries.pdf
Year Published:
2002
URL for published report:
http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/mds/projects/HaPS/PHEB/WMHTAC/REP/reports-list.aspx
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
England
MeSH Terms
- Costs and Cost Analysis
- Radiography, Bitewing
- Radiography, Panoramic
- Dental Caries
Contact
Organisation Name:
West Midlands Health Technology Assessment Collaboration
Contact Address:
Elaena Donald-Lopez, West Midlands Health Technology Assessment Collaboration, Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT Tel: +44 121 414 7450; Fax: +44 121 414 7878
Contact Name:
louise.a.taylor@bham.ac.uk
Contact Email:
louise.a.taylor@bham.ac.uk
Copyright:
University of Birmingham
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