Genotoxic Effects of Dental Panoramic Radiograph in Children

This study was completed to evaluate chromosomal damage (micronucleus) and cellular death in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells taken from healthy children following exposure to panoramic radiation during dental radiography. Method: Twenty children who underwent panoramic dental radiography for diagnostic purposes were included. Cytological preparations were stained with Feulgen stain, identified under light microscopy. Micronuclei, apoptotic nuclear alterations (condensed chromatin, karyorrhexis, pyknosis) and necrosis (karyolysis) were scored. Results showed no statistically significant differences in children’s micronucleated oral mucosa cells before and after panoramic dental X-Ray exposure. On the other hand, there was a statistically significant increase in nuclear alterations closely related to genotoxicity such as condensed chromatin, karyorrhexis and pyknosis, while karyolysis of oral mucosal cells did not show significant increase after panoramic X-Ray exposure. Conclusion: Dental panoramic radiography may not be a factor that induces chromosomal damage, but is able to promote genotoxicity in children.

Micronucleus test, Buccal mucosa cells, Panoramic X-Ray, Children.

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