Optimization of exposure parameters in dental cone beam computed tomography using a 3-step approach

Soontra Panmekiate, Peera Rungwittayathon, Wijuck Suptaweeponboon, Nattarus Tangtraitham, Ruben Pauwels*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperJournal articleResearchpeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to find the optimal balance among tube voltage (kV), tube current (mA), and exposure time (s) in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Study Design: Three human hemimandibles were scanned by using the 3D Accuitomo 170 scanner (J. Morita, Kyoto, Japan). First, 3 combinations of kilovolt (kV) and milliampere (mA) were used at a constant radiation dose. Seven observers evaluated the images; the kV of the highest-scoring scan was considered optimal. Second, the lowest acceptable mA for visualizing different anatomic structures was determined. Finally, the samples were scanned by using 3 combinations of tube current and exposure time; the observers determined the combination with the highest image quality. Results: At a constant radiation dose, the highest available voltage (i.e., 90 kV) resulted in the highest image quality in terms of general impression, sharpness, noise, and artefacts. Depending on the anatomic structure, mA reductions of 20% to 40% compared with the default setting were possible. Fast-scan protocols showed equal or slightly better image quality compared with the standard-scan mode. Conclusions: For the CBCT model used in this study, optimization implies the use of the highest kV along with the shortest exposure time and a task-specific mA. The proposed stepwise optimization approach could be applied to any CBCT unit, preferably during commissioning.

Original languageEnglish
JournalOral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology
Volume126
Issue6
Pages (from-to)545-552
Number of pages8
ISSN2212-4403
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2018
Externally publishedYes

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