The influence of body mass index, age, implants, and dental restorations on image quality of cone beam computed tomography

Objective. The aim was to determine the influence of patient age, gender, body mass index (BMI), amount of dental restorations, and implants on image quality of cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT). Methods. Fifty CBCT scans of a preretail version of Galileos (Sirona, Germany) were investigated retrospectively by 4 observers regarding image quality of 6 anatomic structures, pathologic findings detection, subjective exposure quality, and artifacts. Patient age, BMI, gender, amount of dental restorations, and implants were recorded and statistically tested for correlations to image quality. Results. A negative effect on image quality was found statistically significantly correlated with age and the amount of dental restorations. None of the investigated image features were garbled by any of the investigated influence factors. Conclusions. Age and the amount of dental restorations appear to have a negative impact on CBCT image quality, whereas gender and BMI do not. Image quality of mental foramen, mandibular canal, and nasal floor are affected negatively by age but not by the amount of dental restorations. Further studies are required to elucidate influence factors on CBCT image quality. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009; 108: e108-e116)