What is the function of the collimator in dental radiography?

The function of the collimator in dental radiography primarily focuses on reducing patient exposure to radiation. A collimator is a device that narrows the X-ray beam to a specific area, which minimizes the amount of radiation that reaches the patient's body while still allowing the necessary imaging of the dental structures. By restricting the beam to the target area, the collimator not only protects surrounding tissues from unnecessary radiation but also enhances the overall safety of the procedure.

While it may also have some effects on image quality and could control the length of the X-ray beam, those are secondary functions. The primary and most critical purpose of using a collimator is to ensure that patients receive as little radiation as possible while obtaining the necessary diagnostic information.