Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 4 different post materials on the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in various tooth regions using multiple cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging settings and metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty single-rooted teeth with 4 different post materials were mounted in a skull and scanned using the Planmeca ProMax 3D Max under different conditions: 90 and 96 kVp; no, medium, and high MAR settings; and voxel sizes of 100 and 200 μm. Image analysis was performed with ImageJ software to calculate CNR. The dose-area product (DAP) was recorded, and the effective dose was calculated. RESULTS: When all other parameters were held constant, each factor significantly influenced mean CNR (P<0.05). Higher CNR values were observed in the middle third of roots at 96 kVp, with a voxel size of 200 μm, and with medium or high MAR. No significant difference was found between medium and high MAR. Gold posts showed the lowest mean CNR, while no significant differences were observed among the other post materials. CONCLUSION: The combination of low resolution, medium MAR, and 96 kVp provided the highest image quality and CNR for visualizing teeth with post materials using the Planmeca ProMax, while also producing one of the lowest effective doses.