In Vitro Analysis of Genotoxic Effects of Dental Panoramic Radiography: Evidence of Potential Genotoxicity Using the Comet Test

Objective: To test the genotoxic potential of panoramic radiography using the comet test. Methods: An in vitro cell line derived from the human periodontal ligament was subjected to two exposure times - 0.7 and 2.5 seconds. The data obtained were analyzed using the KOMET 6® program. Results and Conclusion: Although no significant differences were observed in cells exposed for 2.5 seconds in relation to the control, the exposure interval of 0.7 seconds produced a statistically higher amount of DNA damage than in the control. Thus, we confirm the potential genotoxicity of panoramic radiography. The presence of greater amount of DNA damage at the shortest exposure interval can be explained by the fact that the damage levels must reach a threshold to activate the DNA repair system, which would have happened at the longer exposure interval. Originality/Value: Previous studies were based only on the micronucleus assay and presented conflicting results. The comet test can detect both single-strand and double-strand breaks.