In oral and maxillofacial surgery, one of the most widely used complementary tests is the imagenology. This test is used both in diagnosis, treatment planning and in monitoring post-treatment, be it surgical or other conditions of the oral and maxillofacial pathology.

The progress of the technology associated with this type of testing has expanded considerably the choice alternatives. Although the indication of each of these tests in general is widely known by the specialist, their side effects, either local and/or systemic, are little known by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Undertakes literature review in relation to:

• 1.

  The local and systemic side effects of these tests, especially at different organs and / or systems level.

• 2.

  The amount or radiation levels that each of these tests involve.

• 3.

  The limit number and types of tests that a patient should be given in an amount of time.

The review was carried out aimed at those imaging tests that are most frequently presented in the performance of the specialty:

• a.

  Panoramic radiography.

• b.

  Computed tomography.

• c.

  Cone-beam.

Conflict of interest: None declared.