Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of reducing patient X-ray dose in the course of implant site evaluation. METHODS: Retrospective practice-based study using a Morita F170 Accuitomo cone beam CT (CBCT) scanner with variable exposure parameters and operating a small cylindrical field of view of 4 cm diameter and 4 cm height. 6 experienced dental surgeons scored the image quality of dental scans on a 5-point scale for adequacy in providing the required information in 2 categories: bone height from alveolar crest to the relevant anatomical structure and bone width. RESULTS: Lower-dose protocols only marginally affected the preference of the reviewers of the resulting images. CONCLUSIONS: There is potential to reduce patient dose very significantly in CBCT examinations for implant site evaluation.