ZAPPED: RADIOLOGY IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Radiographs are an integral part of in a Pediatric Dental practice. Their use in diagnosis and treatment planning cannot be refuted. There are various radiographs available for this purpose -IOPA (conventional and RVG),Orthopantogram (OPG ) and latest being Cone –beam computed tomography (CBCT ) with their advantages and disadvantages .Every time radiograph is taken, child is exposed to radiation Children are more sensitive to the X-rays as compared to adult. The knowledge of the exposure time ,effective radiation dose of various radiographs in children help us to make an informed decision on their use .The type and number of x-rays taken in children need to be limited and justified. Ill effect of radiation on sensitive developing cells of a child has dangerous and long term effects which need to be taken into consideration. while selecting the radiograph to be taken.