Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
Confocal Time Lapse Imaging as an Efficient Method for the Cytocompatibility Evaluation of Dental Composites
Published on: November 9, 2014
Cytogenetic biomonitoring in oral mucosa cells following dental X-ray
1Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. daribeiro@unifesp.br
Objectives:
In the past decades, X-rays have been used widely for diagnosis in dentistry. However, it is well known that ionizing radiation causes damage (including single- and double-strand breaks) to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and DNA-protein crosslinks, and induces cellular death. Therefore, outlining the cytogenetic effects induced by X-ray is necessary to identify the degree of cancer risk and minimize potential risks to patients and clinicians. To date, a variety of assays have been proposed in cytogenetic biomonitoring studies, including those that assess metaphase chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges, and micronucleus and single-cell gel (comet) assay.
Methods:
Cytogenetic biomonitoring studies focusing on oral mucosa cells in individuals exposed to dental X-ray were reviewed.
Results:
Dental X-ray can induce DNA damage and cytotoxicity in oral mucosa cells.
Conclusion:
These results will contribute to a better understanding of X-ray-induced effects upon the cellular system in individuals continually exposed to known genotoxic/cytotoxic agents.
