Adolescents with Permanent Dentition

There are several instances in which radiographic examination of the new or recall adolescent patient may be in order to assess growth and development or evaluate dental and skeletal relationships. These include the assessment of malocclusion which should be determined on an individual basis and/or evaluation of third molar teeth.¹ Third molar evaluation can be accomplished radiographically by selected periapical or panoramic imaging.

In summary, clinical judgment should be used to determine the need and type of radiographic imaging to evaluate or monitor dentofacial growth and development or assessment of dental and/or skeletal relationships for the adolescent patient. For the assessment of third molar teeth, panoramic or periapical radiography is indicated.