Genotoxic and cytotoxic biomonitoring in patients exposed to panoramic dental radiography: Comparison between five different age groups

Abstract

Introduction: Radiography is an inseparable tool in dentistry. Radiation can induce DNA damage as well as cellular damage. Aims and Objectives: To estimate the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity after taking Orthopantomograph (OPG). To compare the result between five different age groups. Materials and Methods: Buccal mucosal smears were collected from the participants and stained using the PAP method and PAS method. It was evaluated for genotoxicity and cytotoxicity. Settings and Design: The study group consisted of 60 participants. They are divided into five different groups with 12 in every single group. Statistical Analysis Used: Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used within groups. Kruskal–Wallis test was used for continuous data. Results: The mean of cytotoxicity after taking OPG was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Though there was an increase in micronuclei expression, no statistically significant difference was evidenced (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The result of our study reveals that OPG did not cause any chromosomal damage, but it is capable of inducing cytotoxicity in buccal mucosal cells in all age groups.