Thyroid radiation dose during panoramic and cephalometric dental x-ray examinations

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1977 · Angle Orthod.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7086763

Block, A J; Goepp, R A; Mason, E W

Radiation exposure from panoramic equipment can be reduced significantly by use of smaller film, adjustment of the beam height to the height of the smaller film, and careful positioning of patients. These techniques have no adverse effect on the quality of the diagnostic information needed in dentistry. In addition to describing methods of reducing exposures from panoramic machines, this study demonstrates that the use of a barrier collar during static, cephalometric examinations can appreciably reduce thyroid exposure. Since the objective is to obtain diagnostic information from the film without irradiating the thyroid, the application of a lead-impregnated collar is a minor inconvenience, easily borne by the patient and operator. It should be noted that the use of the collar during panoramic examinations affords little or no protection since the relative motion of the panoramic machine places the axis of movement inside the head and neck of the patient. While the evolution of diagnostic radiology may have reached a high level of technical refinement of equipment and film, the clinician still must avoid unnecessary exposure for x-ray examinations and must carefully select the best type of examination to be used for each patient. For example, a complete panoramic examination to determine the position of a known unerupted third molar tooth is probably not an exercise of good judgment since other examinations, such as periapical, could yield the same information with less exposure. Decisions must be made with good judgment, value being placed on relative risks versus the benefits of diagnostic yield.

• OSTI ID: 7086763
• Journal Information: Angle Orthod.; (United States), Vol. 47:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOMEDICAL RADIOGRAPHY
RADIATION DOSES
THYROID
RADIATION PROTECTION
DENTISTRY
PATIENTS
SHIELDING
BODY
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
DOSES
ENDOCRINE GLANDS
GLANDS
MEDICINE
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANS
RADIOLOGY
560151* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Man