Micronuclei and Other Nuclear Anomalies in Buccal Mucosa Following Exposure to X-Ray Radiation

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate DNA damage and cellular death in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells from healthy individuals following dental X-ray exposure, to compare effects of different types of radiographic techniques using the buccal cytome assay and to standardize the staining procedure. STUDY DESIGN: This study comprised 90 patients, categorized into 3 groups subjected to intraoral periapical radiography, conventional orthopantomogram and digital orthopantomogram X-ray exposure. Exfoliated oral mucosa cells were collected immediately before the X-ray and 10 days later and stained using DNA-specific stains and nonspecific DNA stains. RESULTS: The results indicated no statistically significant differences in micronucleated cells before and after dental X-ray exposure. On the other hand, X-ray exposure did increase other nuclear alterations closely related to cytotoxicity, such as karyorrhexis, pyknosis and karyolysis. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that dental radiography may not induce chromosomal damage, but it is able to promote cytotoxicity. (Anal Quant Cytol Histol 2012;34:161-169)