How often should a full mouth series (FMS) be taken on an adult with no significant medical history?

A full mouth series (FMS) is a comprehensive set of dental radiographs used to assess the condition of a patient's oral health. The recommended frequency for taking an FMS in adults who have no significant medical history typically falls outside the bounds of annual or biannual intervals, as these would not be justified for routine monitoring in the absence of acute symptoms or specific dental issues.

For patients with stable oral health, the general guideline suggests taking an FMS once every three to five years, depending on individual risk factors and previous dental history. Therefore, while the choice indicating "only for new patients" may seem limiting, it recognizes that FMS is primarily essential upon a new patient’s initial assessment rather than for regular monitoring in established patients without complications.

This approach is grounded in the principle of utilizing radiographs judiciously, thereby minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure, while still allowing dental practitioners to adequately monitor the health of the patient's teeth and surrounding structures. Therefore, it acknowledges the need for thorough initial assessments while emphasizing the importance of using X-rays selectively over time.