CRITERIA FOR PERSONALIZED APPROACH IN PLANNING X-RAY EXAMINATIONS FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

Abstract

Introduction. One of the main auxiliary methods for making a final diagnosis and choosing treatment plan in the clinical practice of an orthodontist is X-ray, which can be used at all stages of dental rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is to elaborate and justify the criteria for a personalized approach in planning X-ray examination of orthodontic patients based on literary analysis and own clinical experience. Materials and methods. We conducted a thorough examination of relevant literature using key words such as X-ray methods, dentistry, orthodontics, orthopantomogram, cephalometric analysis, cone-beam computed tomography, and ionizing radiation. We performed a retrospective analysis of 1054 medical records of patients received treatment for the period from 2020 to 2023. Special attention was given to the prescribed type of X-ray examinations and findings obtained. Results. Our analysis encompassed an examination of legal documents governing the radiation safety of Ukrainian citizens, including the optimal annual dose resulting from medical examinations or treatments. We conducted a comparative assessment of ionizing radiation levels in patients undergoing various types of X-ray examinations using commonly employed X-ray equipment. We established indications and visualization zones for each radiological examination method utilized in orthodontic cases, comprising 2-D techniques (orthopantomogram, teleroentgenogram of the head in direct and lateral projections) and 3-D methods (cone-beam computed tomography of the segment, jaw, and the facial region of the skull). Conclusion. The personalized approach criteria encompass selecting an area of special interest based on clinical assessments, the capacity to analyze and determine the sequence of treatment measures through an analysis of the acquired data, and a deep understanding of radiation safety principles for the well-being of patients.