Precision linear measurement using cone beam CT in dental implants: an experimental study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy and reliability of linear measurements using cone beam computed tomography(CBCT) system and to provide theoretical application of CBCT in oral implantation. Methods Ten experimental models of different toothless mandibles mixed with 10% of barium sulfate were used in this study. All these mandible models were marked with gutta-percha markers to standardize the plane of the transverse cross-sections and path of measurements. The mandible models were imaged using Mayer SS-X9010D CBCT device. Measurements were taken with DCT Viewer software and compared with measurements recorded directly in the mandible models using vernier caliper. A paired sample t-test was performed to compare difference between CBCT measurement and vernier caliper measurement. Less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results The differences of vertical lines between CBCT and vernier caliper were (-0.089 5±0.220 0) mm in anterior teeth area and (-0.083 0±0.190 0) mm in posterior teeth area. The differences of vertical lines between CBCT and vernier caliper were (-0.052 0±0.140 0) mm in anterior teeth area and (-0.084 7±0.320 0) mm in posterior teeth area. The corresponding t values were -1.784,-1.981,-1.621 and -1.684, respectively. All the P values were greater than 0.05. There was no significant difference between CBCT measurement and vernier caliper measurement. Conclusions CBCT is auseful tool to provide good accuracy and precision of linear measurement in dental implants. Key words: Tomography,X-ray computed; Dental implantation; Diagnosis, oral