Genotoxic and cytotoxic biomonitoring in patients exposed to full mouth radiographs – A radiological and cytological study

Abstract

Background: In the past decades, X-rays have been used widely for diagnosis in dentistry. However, it is well-known that ionizing radiation causes damage (including single- and double-strand breaks) to DNA and DNA–protein crosslinks and induces cellular death. Therefore, outlining the cytogenetic effects induced by X-rays is necessary to identify the degree of cancer risk and minimize potential risks to patients and clinicians. Objectives: To evaluate and compare mutagenicity (micronucleus) and cytotoxicity (karyorrhexis, pyknosis, and karyolysis) in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells of patients following conventional full mouth series of radiographs. Study Design: The study group consisted of 30 patients exposed to conventional full mouth radiographs. Materials and Methods: Cytological smears were taken from the buccal mucosa and gingiva of the study group just before exposure to X-rays and 10 days after exposure to X-rays. The samples were stained with the paponicolaou method and accessed for micronuclei and karyolysis, pyknosis, and karyorrhexis. Results: The mean micronuclei frequency in buccal mucosa and gingiva of the group was increased after exposure but the difference was not significant statistically (P > 0.05). The mean of other nuclear alterations indicating cytotoxicity after exposure to full mouth radiographs was significant (P