When is it appropriate to use a collimator in radiographic procedures?

Using a collimator in radiographic procedures is primarily appropriate to reduce patient dose by limiting the beam size. Collimators are devices that narrow the x-ray beam to focus on the area of interest and minimize the exposure of surrounding tissues. By restricting the size of the beam, collimators help to decrease unnecessary radiation exposure to the patient, thus enhancing safety during dental imaging.

In addition to protecting the patient, collimation can improve the quality of the diagnostic image by reducing scatter radiation, which can blur the image. However, the primary focus of using a collimator is to manage patient radiation dose effectively. This practice aligns with radiation safety principles, which highlight the importance of minimizing exposure to ionizing radiation during medical procedures.