Biomonitoring of DNA damage and cytotoxicity in individuals exposed to cone beam computed tomography

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate DNA damage (micronucleus) and cellular death (pyknosis, karyolysis and karyorrhexis) in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells from adults following cone beam CT exposure. Methods: A total of 19 healthy adults (10 men and 9 women) submitted to cone beam CT were included. Results: No significant statistically differences (P > 0.05) in micronucleus frequency were seen before and after cone beam CT exposure. In contrast, the tomography was able to increase other nuclear alterations closely related to cytotoxicity such as karyorrhexis, pyknosis and karyolysis (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In summary, these data indicate that cone beam CT may not be a factor that induces chromosomal damage, but it is able to promote cytotoxicity.