# Assessing Genotoxicity and Cytotoxicity Induced by X-Ray Exposure From Cone Beam Computed Tomography at Varied Fields of View

## TL;DR

This study examines how X-ray exposure from dental cone beam CT scans affects oral cells, finding increased DNA damage and cell death.

## Contribution

The paper evaluates genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of CBCT scans at different fields of view using exfoliated oral mucosal cells.

## Key findings

- Micronuclei increased significantly in all groups after X-ray exposure.
- Karyorrhexis was significantly associated with exposure in the largest field of view group.
- Larger FOVs caused more pronounced cellular damage.

## Abstract

Introduction: The practice of dentistry benefits greatly from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and advantages should be prioritized over hazards; even modest doses of X-rays have the potential to have cytotoxic effects, damage DNA through their clastogenic impact, and stimulate the creation of micronuclei along with further nuclear changes.

Aims and objectives: To assess the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of X-rays in exfoliated oral mucosal cells from patients who underwent CBCT scans at different fields of view (FOV), and to examine and assess the extent of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity caused by X-rays in oral exfoliated cells of people who were subjected to CBCT at different fields of view (FOV).

Material and methods: Following CBCT exposure, 66 patients were chosen from the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology at the SVS Institute of Dental Sciences, Mahbubnagar. Cells from the buccal mucosa were then extracted using the exfoliative cytology method, and the samples were examined under a microscope to look for nuclear and cytological abnormalities.

Results: A paired t-test analysis revealed that mean micronuclei increased significantly in each study group from before to after exposure. It increased in Group I from 93.59 to 96.05, in Group II from 83.27 to 91.86, and in Group III from 86.05 to 97.00. Various test analyses revealed an important relation between exposure status and the presence of karyorrhexis in Group III. There was no association in other groups.

Conclusion: The study revealed a significant increase of micronuclei in subjects after exposure to radiation at various FOVs. There was an increased karyorrhexis following radiation exposure in all groups at various FOVs. The significant association between exposure and karyorrhexis in the larger size FOV group was noticed further potentiating the extent of increased damage as the size of FOV is increased.