A study on changes in image quality with dose reduction in digital panoramic radiographs

Introduction: Panoramic radiography is frequently used for dental diagnosis and treatment planning. While smallest radiation exposure also being harmful to patients, every attempt must be made to reduce it as much as possible. Aims: The aim of the study was to assess effects of dose reduction on image quality of panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: The sample of 75 patients was selected from the patients coming at the outpatient department of the institute. Two panoramic radiographs were taken for each patient. A total of 150 panoramic radiographs were taken which were evaluated by two blinded observers for image quality. Results: Statistically nonsignificant difference was found between the image qualities of radiographs of the same patient with recommended exposures and those with altered exposure. Conclusion: Dose reduction did not cause significant loss of image quality using digital panoramic radiography machine when the dose was reduced by 36% by decreasing exposure time only.