At least every 6 months.

    The rule is that there are no single rules.  Frequency of recall
depends upon the patient.
    As an example, let's say I have a healthy 25 year old with perfect
bite, good oral hygiene, no periodontal disease and no fillings.  I take
a set of x-rays (probably less than a full set) and determine that the
wisdom teeth are not present, and there are no cavities.  I would
probably judge at that point that one recall a year is more than adequate.
    Take a more typical patient who is 55 and has had a significant amount
of dentistry.  They've had 3 crowns, lost one tooth which has been
replaced by a fixed bridge.  They get a fair amount of tartar but have
no deep periodontal pockets.  I take a full set of x-rays and see that
there are 3 cavities, all under old fillings.  I clean their teeth,
re-do the 3 fillings, talk with them about oral hygiene.  I recall him
at 6 months, and he returns on schedule.  At that time he still has
tartar, but no new cavities.  I reinforce his oral hygiene and recall
him in 6 months.  He keeps this up for the next year, always keeping his
appointments, and his oral hygiene improves, but never gets perfect.  At
the end of 2 years or so without new cavities, I may go to once a year
recalls if the patient wishes.  Anytime after that if I see an uptick in
decay, or signs of periodontal disease, I will change the recall
schedule as I see fit.  This goes for the frequency of x-rays too.

Steve

__________________

The most efficient schedule is to go to the dentist just before any
real dental problem develops.

- dentaldoc