Exposure distribution, absorbed doses, and energy imparted for panoramic radiography using Orthopantomograph model OP...

The absorbed doses and energy imparted for the Orthopantomograph model OP 5 using two different collimators (0.9-1.3 X 33 mm2 and 0.6-0.9 X 39.5 mm2, respectively) were examined at 70 and 75 kV. The absorbed doses were estimated by thermoluminescence dosimetry in a sectioned phantom and by the energy imparted from measurements of areal exposure using a plane parallel transmission ionization chamber. The exposure distribution was surveyed on radiographic film. The anterior part of the parotid glands received the highest absorbed doses (2.4-3.2 mGy) when the wider collimator was used, with a decrease of two to three times when the narrower collimator was used. Other areas received absorbed doses of about 1.0 to 1.5 mGy or below. An increase of the kV from 70 to 75 had a minor influence. The energy imparted for the wider collimator was 0.6-0.8 and for the narrower collimator, 0.4-0.6 mJ.