What is the purpose of collimation in dental radiography?

The purpose of collimation in dental radiography primarily centers on controlling the size and shape of the X-ray beam. When collimators are used, they help reduce the area of the irradiated field, which not only improves the sharpness of the image but also minimizes unnecessary exposure to radiation for the patient and surrounding tissues.

By focusing the X-ray beam to the area of interest, collimation effectively reduces the amount of scattered radiation produced, thereby decreasing the patient's overall exposure to radiation while still obtaining optimal diagnostic information. This dual function of reducing radiation exposure and providing a well-defined beam makes collimation an essential practice in dental radiography.