Accuracy Analysis of Digital Dental Model Data acquired by Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the accuracy of digital dental models acquired using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), an electromagnetic wave method. While there are many reports comparing CBCT and intra oral scanners, there are few comparative studies on the accuracy of different digital dental models acquired using CBCT. Targeting this problem, in this study, we tried to analyze the accuracy of dental prosthesis data generated by different CBCT models with 3D computer programs. To this end, a single preparation dental model, 3-unit bridge dental model, and full dental model were selected and photographed using CBCT to obtain a DICOM file, which was later converted into an STL file. The converted STL file was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively for trueness and precision using a 3D superimposition program. Although there were statistically significant differences in the trueness values of the three digital dental models (P 0.05), no significant differences could be observed in the precision values (P 0.05). In conclusion, using CBCT-based dental models, it may be difficult to fabricate dental prosthesis due to a distortion between the rounded part of the tooth, the prepared tooth, and adjacent teeth. However, if the accuracy of sharpness in CBCT images can be increased, in the future, this method may be employed to manufacture dental prosthesis for clinical applications.