Radiation exposure of teeth and temporomandibular joints by radiography

: According to a report by Poretti (1975) 21,4% of all medical diagnostic radiographs in Switzerland are dental. In order to determine the associated radiation doses to patients, phantom measurements of skin and gonad exposures were made utilizing modern dental x-ray equipment and techniques. Following procedures in accordance with federal safety regulations it was not possible to measure dose values at the gonad level by single dental or temporomandibular radiographs, even by the most sensitive measuring device. 50 cumulative exposures without lead apron resulted in a range of gonad doses from 3.1 to 199 microR for dental and temporomandibular joint x-rays. Results of skin surface doses ranged from 38 to 289 mR for single dental film exposure and from 64 to 494 mR for single TMJ exposures. Consistent use of parallel technique with long cone equipment, small diaphragms, high kilovoltage and use of the lead apron guarantee great safety against radiation hazard in dental radiography.