title: Optimization of cone beam CT exposure for pre-surgical evaluation of the implant site.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of reducing patient X-ray dose in the course of implant site evaluation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective practice-based study using a Morita F170 Accuitomo cone beam CT (CBCT) scanner with variable exposure parameters and operating a small cylindrical field of view of 4 cm diameter and 4 cm height. 6 experienced dental surgeons scored the image quality of dental scans on a 5-point scale for adequacy in providing the required information in 2 categories: bone height from alveolar crest to the relevant anatomical structure and bone width.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Lower-dose protocols only marginally affected the preference of the reviewers of the resulting images.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is potential to reduce patient dose very significantly in CBCT examinations for implant site evaluation.
authors.affiliation: Cavendish Imaging, London, UK. andrewdawood@hotmail.com
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dawood
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sauret-Jackson
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Purkayastha
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D015921:Dental Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants