Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on using dental radiography

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on using dental radiography. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included adult patients who applied at 3-time intervals reflecting changes in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 (T1-T2-T3). Patients’ demographics, the number of radiographic and clinical procedures provided, and radiographic findings were noted during T1-T2-T3. Results: The frequency of using dental radiography was the lowest at the beginning of the pandemic and significantly increased over time. Using radiography increased when the number of COVID-19 cases increased. The course of the COVID-19 disease did not affect using radiography by dentists. The use of dental radiography in elderly patients was found to be less than in younger patients. Invasive treatments applied to the patients who had radiographs were significantly higher than those who had not at T2 and T3. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the changes in dental radiographic procedures during the pandemic. It was ordered to avoid intraoral radiography as much as possible due to aerosol production during the COVID-19 pandemic. To make better use of dental radiography, manufacturers should improve extraoral radiography with better image quality with lower radiation doses.