ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate 2 very important aspects of dental radiographic image quality, exposure time settings and film processing, and to assess their relation to radiation dose. STUDY DESIGN: Radiographic images of a dental image quality test tool were obtained in 108 dental practices. Image quality and film processing were evaluated both subjectively and objectively by comparing films developed by the dentists with films developed under optimum conditions. The data consisted of measured values of optical density, which were used to obtain image contrast, and scores of image quality and film processing, which were based on criteria set by 2 independent oral radiologists. Entrance surface dose was also measured for the technique used at each dental practice. RESULTS: The results indicate a great variability of exposure time settings used by the dentists for imaging the phantom. Film processing was inadequate in most of the practices, which resulted in poor image quality and increased patient radiation doses. The mean entrance surface dose for imaging the phantom was 3.8 mGy. CONCLUSION: Intraoral imaging techniques and film processing must be standardized to improve image quality and further reduce patient radiation doses.
Subject(s)
Radiographic Image Enhancement , Radiography, Dental , Analysis of Variance , Humans , Phantoms, Imaging , Quality Assurance, Health Care , Radiation Dosage , Reproducibility of Results , Technology, Radiologic , Time Factors , X-Ray FilmABSTRACT
Four cases of bilateral bifid mandibular condyles are reported. A review of the literature showed that only four cases have been reported previously as incidental findings patients, while another four cases have been detected in post mortem material. Due to the minimal symptomatology, the diagnosis of a bifid condyle usually rests on radiological rather than clinical evidence.
Subject(s)
Mandibular Condyle/abnormalities , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Mandibular Condyle/diagnostic imaging , Middle Aged , Radiography, Panoramic , Temporomandibular Joint/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
The ionizing radiation is inherently harmful to human beings, and people must be protected from unnecessary or excessive exposure to it. The harmful nature of high doses of x rays has been known for many years. However, for low doses such as those commonly employed in dental radiographic procedures the magnitude of the risk (or even if there is a risk) remains uncertain. The purpose of this paper is to do an analysis of the Dose-risk relationships at low doses of radiation according to the latest recommendations and philosophy of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP).
