Radiology · patient case question
Following the ALARA principle, which radiographic examination would you select for a routine patient?
Patient case: Cranial nerves, radiation safety and the diabetic patient
Scenario: Three items spanning anatomy, radiology and medicine.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Bitewings and periapicals as indicated
- A. CBCT delivers substantially more radiation and is justified only for specific three-dimensional questions such as implant planning, impacted teeth or complex endodontic anatomy.
- B. MRI uses no ionising radiation at all, but it images soft tissue and is not a substitute for dental radiography.
- C. Correct. ALARA — as low as reasonably achievable — means selecting the smallest examination that answers the clinical question. Intraoral films selected on the basis of the examination deliver the least dose for the most diagnostic yield.
- D. A panoramic film has its place for a broad survey, but it lacks the resolution to detect interproximal caries or assess bone levels precisely.