Micronucleus test in buccal epithelium cells from patients subjected to panoramic radiography.

Objectives: To evaluate the possible genotoxic effect of radiation exposure for dental diagnostic purposes as measured by the formation of micronuclei.

Methods: The micronucleus test was applied to buccal epithelium cells, which are target cells for dental radiography. Specimens of exfoliated buccal cells were collected from patients subjected to panoramic radiography.