A patient with rampant caries presents to your office. Which radiographic prescription is MOST valuable?

Correct answer: C. Four bitewings AND selected periapicals

• A. A panoramic alone provides a broad overview but has poor resolution for detecting early caries — inadequate for a rampant caries patient.
• B. Four bitewings show the crowns and alveolar bone of posterior teeth — useful for proximal caries but miss anterior teeth and periapical status.
• C. FOUR BITEWING IMAGES AND SELECTED PERIAPICALS is the most targeted, valuable prescription for rampant caries. Bitewings detect proximal and occlusal caries throughout the posterior segments, while selected periapicals are added for areas of concern (symptomatic teeth, suspected pulpal involvement). This is the most clinically efficient, radiation-conscious prescription per ADA/AAE guidelines.
• D. A full mouth series (FMS — 18–20 periapical and bitewing images) provides comprehensive coverage but requires more radiation and time.