Evaluation of the Frequency of Artifacts in CBCT Depending on the Different Size of Field of View

Abstract

Objectives: Various artifacts can be encountered when examining Cone-beam computed tomography(CBCT) images. In recent years, no descriptive study has been conducted on CBCT artifacts in the literature. The aim of this study is to identify artifacts in CBCT images with different imaging fields (FOV) taken on the same device, to determine their frequency, and also to reveal artifacts that are little known in the literature. Materials and Methods: In the study, CBCT images of the Faculty of Dentistry between the years 2012-2021 were scanned retrospectively and a total of 359 Cone Beam Computed Tomography images with 50x55, 100x55, 100x90, 130x55, 130x90, 230x170, 230x270 imaging fields (FOV) in the database, which met the exclusion and inclusion criteria, were analyzed by three oral and maxillofacial radiology research assistants and the types of artifacts seen on these images were determined. The incidence of the identified artifact types in the specified imaging areas was evaluated. Results: When looking at all images, the most common errors, regardless of FOV, were inevitable artifacts. Aliasing and motion artifacts were seen at higher rates on CBCT images with a larger field of view. In addition, the ring artifact was encountered in CBCT images with high imaging fields such as 130x90, 230x170 and 230x270. Conclusion: To know the incidence and causes of artifacts in images; it will prevent the patient, the environment and the practitioner from receiving x-rays (radiation) unnecessarily, mixing these errors with different pathological conditions and repetition of the image.