Effect of exposure parameters of cone beam computed tomography on metal artifact reduction around the dental implants in various bone densities

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aimed to assess the effect of exposure parameters such as milliampere (mA) and field of view (FOV) of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) on a metal artifact of dental implants placed in different bone densities. Methods A total of 27 bone blocks with different densities (nine were type 1, nine were types 2 and 3, and nine were type 4) were used in this in vitro, experimental study. These blocks were placed in mandibular wax models. The blocks were scanned after drilling (hole preparation) and after implant placement using Cranex3D imaging system with a 4 × 6 cm2and 6 × 8 cm2 FOV and 4 and 10 mA. Gray value of the bone blocks was recorded before and after placement of implants. Results In general, irrespective of bone density, the amount of artifacts was lower in small FOV compared to large FOV (P 0.05). Artifacts in type 4 bone were greater than in other bone types (P 0.05). Conclusion According to the results of this study, Peri-implant artifacts were seen in all bone types; the amount of artifacts in type 4 bone was higher than that in other types. Size of FOV and bone density affect the metal artifacts around dental implants; so that a smaller FOV can be used to decrease metal artifacts.

Keywords

• Conebeam computed tomography
• Dental implants
• Metal artifacts
• Bone density