Abstract
To investigate the accuracy and reliability of implant site measurements, recorded from low-dose cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.
CBCT reformatted images of five skulls were obtained using 40, 20 and 7s exposure protocols. From these protocols, edentulous ridge dimensions were recorded by two observers and compared with measurements recorded directly from the bone. The measurement errors and intra- and inter-examiner reliability were calculated for each exposure protocol and compared with each other.
The mean absolute errors from the 40, 20 and 7s protocols were 0.50, 0.46, and 0.51mm, respectively. The intra-examiner reliability scores were 0.996, 0.995 and 0.998, respectively. The inter-examiner reliability scores were 0.993, 0.998 and 0.994, respectively. There was no significant difference in accuracy or reliability between the three protocols.
In imaging of dry skulls, lowering the CBCT exposure time from 40s to 20 or 7s does not affect the reliability or accuracy of implant site measurements.