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Orthodontic radiographic procedures--how safe are they?
1Dept. Diagnostics and Röntgenology, School of Dentistry, University of Pretoria, P O Box 1266, Pretoria 0001. bbuch@medic.up.ac.za
Summary
Orthodontic radiography poses minimal radiation risk to children. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) in a phantom showed negligible doses to eyes and thyroid during pantomograms and cephalograms, comparable to background radiation.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Radiation Dosimetry
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding radiation exposure to sensitive head and neck structures during pediatric orthodontic radiography.
- Accurate dosimetry is essential to quantify radiation doses for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify radiation doses to the eyes and thyroid during common orthodontic radiographic procedures.
- To assess the safety of pantomograms and cephalograms for pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Used Harshaw lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) for precise radiation measurement.
- Irradiated TLDs using a calibrated X-ray source and reader.
- Placed TLDs within a Rando phantom simulating pediatric head and neck anatomy.
- Acquired pantomograms and lateral cephalograms using standard orthodontic equipment.
- Calculated radiation doses to the eyes and thyroid based on TLD readings and conversion factors.
Main Results:
- Doses to the left and right eyes were 0.0151 mSv and 0.0222 mSv for pantomograms, and 0.0351 mSv and 0.0183 mSv for cephalograms, respectively.
- Thyroid doses were 0.0896 mSv for pantomograms and 0.0177 mSv for cephalograms.
- All measured doses were found to be significantly low, comparable to natural background radiation levels.
Conclusions:
- Orthodontic radiographic procedures like pantomography and cephalometry deliver minimal radiation doses to critical structures in the head and neck.
- The radiation exposure from these procedures is well within acceptable safety limits for pediatric patients.
- These findings should alleviate parental concerns regarding radiation overdose during orthodontic imaging.