Dental x-ray doses -Reply

[Kathleen Kaufman <KKAUFMAN@dhs.co.la.ca.us>]

Here in California the routine for bitewings is four exposures, two on
each side. Unfortunately, I read Julian Gibbs' very helpful info after I had
already sent my question!

kkaufman@dhs.co.la.ca.us


>>> <andrew_mcewan@nrl.moh.govt.nz> 03/10/99 12:29pm >>>


Kathleen Kaufman wrote

When you say a "pair of bitewings" are you talking about two exposures,
or four? Bitewings normally consist of four exposures. Also, do you
know the effective dose for a full mouth series (18 films)? How about a
panorex exposure? Thanks!

kkaufman@dhs.co.la.ca.us

In New Zealand by far the most common dental x-ray examination is a
pair
(i.e. two) exposures.  I assume standards of dental care are similar in the
two countries - perhaps you pay more?  (not that dentists here don't
charge
plenty).
Julian Gibbs has supplied answers to the second part of your question
as
follows:

We have developed a Monte Carlo radiation transport code
that provides specific organ doses to the entire body.  The
results as effective doses in microsievert:
Procedure      Typical technique State of the art
Full mouth intraoral, 21 film 350        45
Bitewing, 4 film         70        8
Panoramic, 1 film                  20
(Gibbs et al, Dentomaxillofacial Radiology 17:15, 1988)

Andrew McEwan

_________________________
Andrew C McEwan PhD
National Radiation Laboratory
PO Box 25-099
Christchurch, New Zealand

Ph 64 3 366 5059
Fax 64 3 366 1156
Andrew_McEwan@nrl.moh.govt.nz
________________________


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