Digital orthodontic radiographic set versus cone-beam computed tomography: an evaluation of the effective dose

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the equivalent and effective doses of different digital radiographic methods (panoramic, lateral cephalometric and periapical) with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: Precalibrated thermoluminescent dosimeters were placed at 24 locations in an anthropomorphic phantom (Alderson Rando Phantom, Alderson Research Laboratories, New York, NY, USA), representing a medium sized adult. The following devices were tested: Heliodent Plus (Sirona Dental Systems, Bernsheim, Germany), Orthophos XG 5 (Sirona Dental Systems, Bernsheim, Germany) and i-CAT (Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, PA, USA). The equivalent doses and effective doses were calculated considering the recommendations of the International Commission of Radiological Protection (ICRP) issued in 1990 and 2007. Results: Although the effective dose of the radiographic set corresponded to 17.5% (ICRP 1990) and 47.2% (ICRP 2007) of the CBCT dose, the equivalent doses of skin, bone surface and muscle obtained by the radiographic set were higher when compared to CBCT. However, in some areas, the radiation produced by the orthodontic set was higher due to the complete periapical examination. Conclusion: Considering the optimization principle of radiation protection, i-CAT tomography should be used only in specific and justified circumstances. Additionally, following the ALARA principle, single periapical radiographies covering restricted areas are more suitable than the complete periapical examination.

Precision of orthodontic cephalometric measurements on ultra low dose-low dose CBCT reconstructed cephalograms

“…The effective dose of the CBCT was between 5 and 7 times higher than the combined doses of a PAN and LC. The overall effective dose of a standard dose PAN plus LC was 26.9 μSv (PAN 21.87 μSv + LC 5.03 μSv) [8] or 30 μSv (PAN 27.1 μSv + LC 2.50 μSv) [9] versus an overall effective dose of a CBCT of 132 μSv [8] or 210 μSv [9]. The doses mentioned in the research of Signorelli (2016) [8] and Chinem (2016) [9] were measured on different machines (e.g., Signorelli: KaVo 3D eXam, Chinem: Heliodent Plus (Sirona Dental Systems, Bensheim, Germany), Orthophos XG 5 (Sirona Dental Systems, Bensheim, Germany), and i-CAT (Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, PA, USA).…”

Cephalometrics of Pharyngeal Airway Space in Lebanese Adults

“…Despite the significant advantages of this technology related to the possibility of obtaining volumetric assessments and cross-sectional evaluations at multiple levels, its wide application in large-scale studies is still hindered by factors such as cost and availability. CBCT exposes patients to greater radiation doses than conventional lateral cephalograms [44–47] and therefore its application in the context of cross-sectional studies is not ethically justifiable. Furthermore, conventional lateral cephalograms and those derived from 3D CBCTs demonstrated no significant differences in most linear and angular cephalometric measurements [48–50] and more specifically in the UAS area [51].…”

Impacted Lower Third Molar and Its Relation to the Inferior Alveolar Nerve: The Importance of CBCT for Surgical Planning and Treatment. Clinical Case Report

“…Currently, with the modernization of CT scanners, we observed that the radiation dose used in a conventional examination of a dental arch for example, has decreased substantively. It's important to consider that a 5-hour flight at altitudes of 12 km can result in an equivalent cosmic radiation dose around 25 µSv and a cone beam computed tomography of a small area (small FOV) expose the patient to a radiation dose of approximately 30 µSv, representing the patient greater benefits than risks [16,17,18]. This is unlike panoramic radiographs, which have reduced cost, reduced radiation dose and are more accessible, but display images in only two dimensions, causing an overlap of various bones and soft tissue structures [19].…”