Measurement Of Surface Dose To The Thyroid Gland In Intraoral Radiography

Background: Intra-oral periapical radiographs are the most frequently requested radiographic examination and an indispensable tool in the diagnosis of dental diseases. The repeated exposures to these radiographic examinations pose a risk especially to the thyroid gland due to the proximity to dental structures. This study was conducted to evaluate the surface dose received by the thyroid gland during intra-oral periapical (IOPA) radiographic exposures. Aim: To measure the entrance surface dose to the thyroid gland and compare the mean surface dose received by the thyroid during maxillary and mandibular anterior & posterior intraoral periapical radiography. Materials & methods: The study comprised 64 participants. Thermoluminiscent dosimeter (TLD) cubes were used to measure the surface dose to the thyroid gland. The dose recorded by the TLD-s were measured using Harshaw 4500 TLD reader. Results: The mean surface dose to the thyroid gland was high during maxillary anterior and posterior quadrants compared to mandibular anterior and posterior radiographic exposures. Conclusion: The surface dose received by the thyroid gland during intraoral radiography may be considered low but the frequency of such exposures may pose a risk to the radiosensitive thyroid gland. Therefore, the thyroid gland should be protected during routine IOPA radiographic techniques.