Measurement of Entrance Skin Dose and the Dose Received by Different Organs in Panoramic Dental Imaging

Abstract

Background: Thermoluminescence dosimetry(TLD) has been known as one of the most effective methods for dose estimation in diagnostic radiology. Orthopantomogram (OPG) imaging is used by many dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons as an effective tool for choosing an appropriate treatment plan. Objective: This study aims to measure the entrance skin dose and the dose values received by different head and neck organs in OPG imaging using TLD dosimeters (TLD-100). Material and Methods: In this experimental study, the entrance skin dose and doses of various organs during imaging were measured by TLD dosimeters inside and on the surface of the Rando-Phantom. Doses to various organs, including thyroid, eye, esophagus, parotid and sublingual and submandibular salivary glands were measured. The measurements were repeated twice, and the dose values obtained in the two steps were compared. Results: Based on the results obtained in this study, the minimum dose values were found in Esophagus; 65.81, and 59.31 µGy, respectively. The maximum organ dose value was found for left parotid glands, 3842.42, and 3399.58 for the two measurements, respectively. Conclusion: The results show that the dose values can vary based on devices, exposure conditions, and TLD positioning.

Estimation of Radiological Doses to Organs around the Head and Neck Region in a Radiological Centre in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

“…This dose has a significant impact on the amount of radiation received by a patient during radiological imaging and can potentially cause radiosensitivity in tissues or organs. The ESD can be measured directly using dosimeters or indirectly through mathematical formulations that involve modality-related dose parameters related to the modality (Tsapaki et al, 2007;Sharma et al, 2015;Ahmadi et al,2020;Bly, 2021;Melboom et al,2021). The effective dose (ESD) is greatly affected by the penetrating power of the Xrays used, which varies depending on the patient's body size and the specific area being examined (Ibrahim et al, 2014).…”