A Paradigm Shift from Mounted Intra-Oral Periapical Radiography to Hand-Held X-Ray Device: A Review

Handheld X-ray devices are now offered in dental practice. Handheld X-ray units challenge the concept of a restricted access to the “controlled area” as they are held by the operator. Although an integral lead shield is provided, the distance from the body is variable, dependent on how the device is held. Currently, there are voluntary guidelines provided by the NCRP for dental radiation protection. Hand-Held portable X-ray devices are increasingly used for intraoral radiography.