Radiation-induced cancer risk in radiographic cephalometry.

The carcinogenic risks associated with the cephalometric x-ray techniques customarily used in orthodontics and oral surgery have been estimated. Lateral, posteroanterior, 45 degrees oblique, lateral temporomandibular joint tomography, basilar techniques, and commonly-used combinations were examined. Data reported in a previous article on doses absorbed by pituitary (brain), salivary, and thyroid glands were used to calculate increased risk over normal incidence using the BEIR V model. The findings are expressed in a number of graphs. Tables list the estimated percentage increase in carcinomas for several of the most often used cephalometric procedures, and compare these with the more common complete mouth (periapical) and panoramic surveys. The overall conclusion is that responsible use of cephalometric radiology adds very little to the person's carcinogenic burden.