Radiation exposure in dental panographic roentgenology

Abstract

The authors have employed LiF and CaF2 thermoluminescent dosimeters in tandem to estimate the radiation energy and to measure the radiation exposure to the superficial tissues of patients during dental panographic roentgenology. Radiation exposures ranged from an average of 0.46 R to the posterior tissues to 0.038 R to the orbit. Other anterior superficial tissues received an exposure of approximately 0.050 R. The CaF2/LiF value varied from a high of approximately 200 at the posterior positions to a low of approximately 30 at the orbit position. These ratios corresponded to average photon energies of approximately 40 keV and 15 keV. On the basis of previous hazards analysis of roentgenographic procedures, these radiation exposures would seem to be excessive for application as a mass screening tool.