risk-benefit concept in the radiographic examination of partially and completely edentulous patients

ABSTRACT

The radiographic examination of denture patients is performed either as a"routine" step or done when necessary. The harmful cumulativeeffect of radiation is well understood. In light of the benefit obtained froma radiographic examination and the risk due to the cumulative effectof radiation, this study was carried out on 248 partially and completelyedentulous patients divided into two groups. The first group included patientswith clinical findings requiring a radiographic examination. The secondincluded those only in need for a general preprosthetic evaluation. The incidence of the positive radiographic findings was higher in the firstgroup. Furthermore, in the first group only, there was a significant number ofcases which required a change in the treatment plan. Therefore, the casehistory and clinical examination should be strongly considered and the"routine" radiographic examination should be discouraged and only done, whennecessary, and when the finding expected could contribute to the diagnosis,treatment plan or prevent the progress of a disease; in other words, when thebenefit of the radiographic examination exceeds the "risk" limits