Evaluation Effective Dose for Patients Undergoing Dental X-Ray Examination

Abstract

Background and objectives:The dental radiographic examinations rank among the most frequent radiographic procedures. Since the radiation risks for different organs vary with age, exposure and sex. The specific objectives of this study include investigation of ESD using Thermo Luminescent Dosimeter (TLD-100) for patients undergoing dental x-ray examination. Patients and methods: ESD was measured using LiF Thermo Luminescent Dosimeters (TLD-100) on the skin (either mandibular or maxillary arcs) for all patients. Monte Carlo simulation was performed to estimate an effective dose (ED) by using PCXMC Dose Calculation software. Analysis of data was carried out using the available statistical package of SPSS-22 (Statistical Packages for Social Sciences-version 22). Results: The mean of the effective dose for 1-15 years old patients undergoing maxillary molar dental x-ray examination were 3.734 μSv, 3.505μSv for females and males, respectively. For 16-30 years old, the mean of the effective dose were 6.212 μSv, 3.530 μSv for females and males, respectively. And for 31-60 years old were 3.220 μSv and 3.209 μSv for females and males, respectively. Also for patients undergoing the mandibular molar dental x-ray examinations, the mean effective dose for 1-15 years old were 4.998 μSv, 3.969 μSv for females and males, respectively. For 16-30 years old were 3.270 μSv, 1.170 μSv for females and males, respectively. And for 31-60 years old were 2.020 μSv, 1.131 μSv for females and males, respectively. Conclusion:The use of the entrance surface dose(ESD) or effective dose(ED) is not an accurate indicator for physicians to judge the radiation risk of an x-ray examination in accordance with the result of the present study. The overall risk from radiation in children was more than in adults and in female patients was more than in male patients. It is recommended that the average risk caused by exposure be considered as a guide to assess the risk and benefit for each age group.