Which device is used to reduce patient radiation exposure during dental x-rays?

Collimation is a technique used during dental x-rays to limit the size and shape of the x-ray beam, which helps to focus the radiation on the specific area being examined. By narrowing the beam, collimation minimizes the exposure of surrounding tissues to unnecessary radiation. This targeted approach is crucial for protecting patient health while still obtaining the necessary diagnostic information.

The narrowing effect of the collimator also maximizes the image quality since it reduces scatter radiation that can obscure the details of an x-ray image. As a result, collimation is widely recognized in dental radiography as a vital safety measure to diminish the patient’s overall radiation dose.

In contrast, while devices like round cones, short beam index devices (BIDs), and leaded shields can contribute to radiation safety in various ways, they do not directly target the reduction of radiation exposure in the same effective manner as collimation does. Thus, collimation is the most effective method mentioned for minimizing patient radiation exposure during dental x-ray procedures.