Diagnostic radiographs used in dentistry and forensic dentistry: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Introduction: Radiographs are images produced on the sensitive plate or on the film by X-rays, gamma rays, or similar radiation and are used for medical and dental examination, especially in forensic dentistry. Forensic radiography is the process of taking radiographs. Radiographs can be classified as intraoral radiographs and extraoral radiographs. Radiation from dental X-rays contains only about 2.5% of the radiation dose that received from other medical radiographs. Many teeth, gingival, and periodontal diseases are undetectable with the naked eye, including bone loss, bone infections, tumors, abscess, cyst, granulation, and decay under a filling. X-ray makes it possible to find out problems early; therefore, treatment can start or done earlier to assure the dental health. Quick treatment helps in preventing the complications. X-rays are extremely important for detecting the extent of the caries and in third molar development. X-rays allow the dentist to track the healing progress and find any problems under the mucous surface. Aim: The aim of the study was to create awareness about the radiographs used in dentistry and forensic dentistry and to make mindfulness and teach professionals about the radiographs used in dentistry and forensic dentistry. Materials and Methods: The method involved in this study was an online survey of questionnaires, which involves assessing the awareness and knowledge on radiographs used in dentistry and forensic dentistry. Approval from the institutional ethical committee and informed consent from the participants were obtained. The total number of participants was 100. The data collected was exported to Google sheet and were analyzed by using the software SPSS version 23. Results and Discussion: Among the undergraduate students, 27.27% of the students answered that cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was the radiograph used to detect fracture, 24.55% of the students answered intraoral periapical radiograph (IOPA), 8.18% of the population answered orthopantomogram (OPG) and 10% of the postgraduate students answered that OPG was the radiograph used to take mandibular fractures. Among the undergraduate students, 10.91% of the students answered that CBCT was the radiograph used to detect cyst, 9.09%% of the students answered IOPA, 27.27% of the population answered CT, 42.73% of the population answered OPG, and 10% of the postgraduate students answered that OPG was the radiograph used to detect cyst. Among the undergraduate students, 38.18% of the students answered that CBCT was the radiograph used to detect the impacted tooth, 25.45%% of the students answered IOPA, 13.64% of the population answered CT, 12.73% of the population answered OPG, and 10% of the postgraduate students answered that IOPA was the radiograph used to detect impacted tooth. Conclusion: From the above survey, it is concluded that undergraduate students have less awareness about radiographs used in forensic dentistry than postgraduate students. Furthermore, studies will improve their awareness and knowledge of radiographs used in forensic dentistry.