Understanding the Interaction of Röntgen Radiation Employed in Computed Tomography/Cone Beam Computed Tomography Investigations of the Oral Cavity by Means of Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Analysis of Saliva.

The use of Raman spectroscopy, particularly surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), offers a powerful tool for analyzing biochemical changes in biofluids. This study aims to assess the modifications occurring in saliva collected from patients before and after exposure to cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and computed tomography (CT) imaging. SERS analysis revealed significantly amplified spectra in post-imaging samples compared to pre-imaging samples, with pronounced intensification of thiocyanate and opiorphin bands, which, together with proteins, dominated the spectra.

Clinical indications and radiation doses of cone beam computed tomography in orthodontics.

Cone beam computed tomography can be used in pediatric population when a tridimensional analysis of dental and maxillofacial bone structures is required. Even though CBCT is considered a low dose radiological examination, ionizing radiation is a known human carcinogenic factor. Furthermore, biological effects are more important in young patients because of their higher radiosensitivity.

The Effects of Low-Dose Irradiation on Human Saliva: A Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Study.

Biological effects of low-dose ionizing radiation (IR) have been unclear until now. Saliva, because of the ease of collection, could be valuable in studying low-dose IR effects by means of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The objective of our study was to compare the salivary SER spectra recorded before and after low-dose IR exposure in the case of pediatric patients (PP).