Open access peer-reviewed chapter

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Dentomaxillofacial Radiology

Written By

Bence Tamás Szabó , Adrienn Dobai and Csaba Dobo-Nagy

Submitted: 01 October 2019 Reviewed: 20 December 2019 Published: 03 June 2020

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.90932

From the Edited Volume

Novel Imaging and Spectroscopy

Edited by Jinfeng Yang

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Abstract

The daily application of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been increasing. Not only the number of referrals has been raising, but also the variety of the anatomical regions requested for imaging is also growing in the dentomaxillofacial area. Even though computed tomography (CT) has been widely used in the head and neck region, by the invention of CBCT, some of the drawbacks of CT were overcome and turned into the advantages of the CBCT appliances, such as lower patient dose. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive picture of the everyday use of CBCT as a modality in the dentomaxillofacial region and its current limitations and expected improvements.

Keywords

  • cone-beam computed tomography
  • dental digital radiography
  • diagnostic imaging
  • dentomaxillofacial radiology
  • incidental findings

1. Introduction

The use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been increasing in everyday clinical practice. The advantages of CBCT contribute to its spreading not only in the field of dentistry, but also in maxillofacial surgery, otorhinolaryngology, rheumatology, and traumatology. Conventional-computed tomography (CT) has been widely used in the head and neck and other anatomical regions; nevertheless, by the invention of CBCT device for maxillofacial imaging in the 1990s [1], some of the drawbacks of CT were overcome resulting in the application of CBCT as an alternative modality in these regions. CBCT devices offer a compact size, the ability for producing high-resolution volumetric data, and lower patient dose compared to multislice CT (MSCT) [2, 3, 4]. Nonetheless, it should be noted that CBCT devices operate in a wide range of dose values [5]; hence, in the particular clinical situation, the proper justification and optimization are crucial. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive picture of the everyday use of CBCT as a modality in the dentomaxillofacial region and its current limitations and expected improvements.

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2. Basic principles of the CBCT

2.1 Image acquisition

The CBCT device consists of an X-ray source and a flat-panel detector, which are connected by a C-arm in a fixed position, but their vertical position can be adjusted according to the anatomical circumstances of the patient. The X-ray source and the detector rotate in the opposite direction from 180° to 360° depending on the exposure setting of the device during the acquisition around the patient’s head. The patient is in a standing, sitting, or supine position. In the latter case, the X-ray source and the detector are in a fixed position but rotate in the vertical plane. The average time of the exposure is varying from 5 to 40 s [6] depending on the device and the exposure settings. However, the energy of X-rays generated is usually diverse; hence, not only high but also low energy X-rays leave the X-ray source, which would be absorbed by the soft tissues and would not contribute to the imaging just to the increase of the patient dose. Therefore, low energy X-rays must be absorbed by an aluminum filter or a copper filter [7]. The divergent X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube are usually collimated by lead alloy with a rectangular opening, whose size can be adjusted depending on the size of the exposed volume, i.e., the field of view (FOV). Collimation results in the formation of a cone or pyramidal beam [8], as opposed to conventional CT devices where a fan beam leaves the collimator (Figure 1). However, today’s MSCTs are using increasingly divergent beams due to the presence of detector rows [9].

Figure 1.

During the operation of a conventional CT device, the X-ray beam leaving the X-ray tube is fan-shaped and is detected by detector elements arranged in an arc rotating in a direction opposite to the X-ray source around the patient lying on the moving patient table (A). By contrast, CBCT applies a cone-shaped beam during image acquisition, which is recorded by a flat-panel detector (B).

During the acquisition, X-rays leave the tube either continuously or in pulse mode, in the latter allowing that the energy passes through the examined volume only at a particular rotation step leading to the reduction of radiation exposure suffered by the patient [7, 10, 11]. Numerous projection images are recorded on the detector during the rotation of the X-ray source and the detector. Unlike conventional CTs, where the patient table is constantly moving during the acquisition, each slice needs to be reconstructed separately to create the entire image data of the volume. The CBCT detector records the incoming X-rays, which were previously passed through and attenuated in various ways by the patient, and transforms them into an electrical signal, which is transmitted to the reconstruction computer. In case of flat-panel detectors (FPDs) such as the thin film transistor (TFT) containing amorphous silicon (a-Si) or complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), the captured raw image dataset will be appeared as a cylindrical volume after the reconstruction in general [8, 12].

2.2 Image reconstruction

From raw images obtained during the CBCT acquisition, the computer in most cases uses the filtered back projection (FBP) algorithm for CBCT images: the Feldkamp-Davis-Kress (FDK) algorithm [13]. The reconstruction software assigns a grayscale value on a 12-bit scale, in some cases a 16-bit scale, depending on the degree of attenuation (usually the smallest grayscale value corresponds to the air) to each intensity value derived from the linear attenuation of the X-rays passing through the tissues on the pixel matrix of the detector [8]. The FDK algorithm projects back these values ​​to each virtual component of the imaged, namely to each voxel (Figure 2). Subsequently, the reconstructed image will be displayed on the monitor as a real volumetric dataset.

Figure 2.

The reconstruction algorithm projects back a gray value to a voxel according to a particular pixel of the detector on which the intensity of the attenuated X-ray beam was recorded.

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3. Artifacts

One of the disadvantages of CBCT is the presence of artifacts that may significantly affect the image quality and interfere with the evaluation of the data [9]. Artifact can be defined as any lesion that is not physically present in the real structure of the imaged volume; nevertheless, it is detectable on the reconstructed image [9, 14]. One of the common artifacts is the beam hardening, which is generated by the polychromatic nature of the X-rays leaving the X-ray tube: the lower energies are absorbed in the tissues with higher absorption capacity; thus, the energy of the X-rays reaching the detector is proportionally higher than its energy emitted just from the X-ray tube. The artifact appears as alternating dark bands and stripes (Figure 3) or as a cupping pattern. The latter is explained by the fact that when a homogeneous cylindrical structure is imaged, the energy of the X-rays passing through the center of the volume is “hardened” at a greater level than at the periphery of the object. This leads to a saucer-like shape in the reconstructed image: transparency (i.e., lower grayscale values) in the center area of the scanned object, which decreases steadily as the periphery of the cylindrical structure [15].

Figure 3.

The white arrows are showing the dark band caused by the artifact along the root filling of the mesiobuccal root canal of the lower right molar tooth, and the white arrows are pointing to the bright bands on the periphery.

Scatter leads to commonly the appearance of dark streaks similar to beam hardening, caused by the interaction between the X-ray and the material of the scanned object. In this case, the original direction of some X-ray photons changes causing computational error in the FDK algorithm. This leads to a decrease in contrast and distortion of grayscale values; however, by increasing the exposure energy and reducing the field of view, scatter can be reduced [7, 9]. It is important to note that selecting a smaller FOV can lead to the “local tomography” effect due to just a part of the object will be counted in the FDK algorithm as the scanned area and the surrounding tissues, which were out of the FOV, will disturb the computational process and the reconstructed image [14].

If a high atomic number material (e.g., metal) is in the path of the X-ray, the element of the detector only records very low intensity value and causes inconsistency during the FDK algorithm. This results in a dark, empty area, or radial streaking in the reconstructed image, which can impair the analysis of the image even on slices further away [9, 16] (Figure 4). In English literature, this phenomenon is known as extinction, “missing value,” or metal artifacts [8, 14, 15].

Figure 4.

The thin white arrows are pointing to bright and dark bands caused by beam hardening, while the thick white arrows are pointing to the transparent areas of missing value artifact.

The position of the patient during the acquisition has a significant impact on the quality of the reconstructed image data. The FDK algorithm assumes motion-free, constant geometry [9]; therefore, during image acquisition, the changes in the patient’s position lead to error in the reconstruction algorithm, and the reconstructed images show double contour or blurred image [17], as it is presented on a sagittal slice of our CBCT data (Figure 5). Spin-Neto et al. reported that the incidenWce of artifact is higher in CBCT examination of patients under 15 years of age and in small FOV use [18]. Additionally, the patient’s displacement of more than 3 mm already causes a significant deterioration of the image quality during exposure [19].

Figure 5.

Motion artifact on a CBCT scan of a 4-year-old patient in the sagittal plane. The white arrows are pointing to the double contour of the blurred image.

The ring artifact can be described as concentric dark circles on the reconstructed image, mostly on the axial slices (Figure 6), indicating the lack of calibration of the detector.

Figure 6.

The white arrows are pointing to the concentric dark circles.

Another possible artifact related to the properties of the CBCT appliance is the aliasing artifact. There are two factors behind: one is the lower frequency of sampling [8], and the other is the geometry of diverging rays emitted from the X-ray tube. This appears on the reconstructed images as lines pointing outward from the center of the image (Moiré pattern) [14] (Figure 7). The artifact can usually be compensated by increasing the number of projections and by the built-in image enhancement algorithms [8, 16].

Figure 7.

The white arrows are pointing to the lines appearing farther from the center of the image.

The essence of the partial volume effect is that if there is a larger difference in the density values (e.g., between the dentin and the root canal) at the edge of the imaged object and this area is close to the boundary of two neighboring voxels, the reconstruction algorithm will only calculate an average grayscale value in relation to the entire voxel (Figure 8).

Figure 8.

In the top row, the 3 × 5 pixels in size object “projected” just on the reconstructed pixels, so the real gray scale values of the object are displayed on the reconstructed image. On the bottom row, the object is also 3 × 5 pixels in size but is not “projected” on the reconstructed pixels, so not the actual grayscale values are displayed on the reconstructed image.

Hence, the algorithm calculates a lower value instead of the real density of the object’s boundary [20], so a lower grayscale value appears in this peripheral voxel on the reconstructed image, which might lead to an overestimation of the volume [21].

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4. Imaging of the dentoalveolar region

Since the invention of the CBCT device, numerous publications are concerning the opportunities of CBCT modality in the dentoalveolar region, particularly in endodontics [22, 23, 24] and interventions of dentoalveolar surgery [25, 26] as well as orthodontic examinations [27, 28, 29]. However, it is important to emphasize that poor image quality can also lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary exposure to the patient; hence, it is required selecting the appropriate exposure parameters (e.g., FOV, tube voltage, tube current, etc.).

4.1 Dentoalveolar surgery

The basis of the proper diagnosis and successful surgical therapy of a pathological disorder is the comprehensive clinical and radiological knowledge of the anatomical region (Figure 9). In cases when panoramic radiographs do not provide sufficient information because of the superimpositions of the anatomical landmarks in the assessed regions, CBCT as a three-dimensional modality shall be considered during the justification. The possible indications of CBCT requirement in this field is well known, such as tooth impaction, pre-implant planning, and surgical guide for implant placement. The proper optimization is essential prior to the exposure including the proper selection of the resolution. The latter shall be applicable at a voxel size of 200 μm for linear measurements, though the accuracy is strongly dependent on other parameters of the used CBCT device [30] and the possible smallest FOV shall be set according to the actual clinical situation [31].

Figure 9.

The relationship of the impacted left lower third molar and left mandibular canal. On the panoramic image, a superimposition is visible (A); however, on the sagittal (B) and coronal (C), CBCT slices the relationship of the apex and the canal is clearly detectable.

4.2 Endodontics

Dentists should be aware of the root canal system before the endodontic treatment. Currently, commercially available “high-resolution” CBCTs have a nominal voxel size of 100 μm or even 75 μm, which is comparable in size to the apical constriction of a root canal. CBCT as a modality might be a potential choice in selected cases such as complicated root canal systems, when two-dimensional X-ray technique provides limited information [31] (Figure 10).

Figure 10.

Insufficient root canal filling of the left upper first molar on the panoramic radiograph (A). The lack of root canal filling of the second mesiobuccal and the distobuccal root canals (B and C). Nearly 90° curvature of the mesiobuccal root and insufficient root canal filling in the first mesiobuccal root canal (D). Hyperdense area in the maxillary sinus potentially due to the extensive use of sealer (E and F). The left upper first premolar is three rooted (B and F).

4.3 Orthodontics

In this field, it is noteworthy to emphasize that the majority of patients are children and young adults [28] who are more sensitive to ionizing radiation. Practitioners must be specifically pay attention to the proper justification and optimization during the orthodontic examinations knowing the fact that CBCT as a modality cannot be used routinely [27].

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5. Imaging of anatomical regions apart from the oral cavity

The appearance of CBCT devices has opened new ways of diagnostic radiology not only in the dentistry but also in the field of facial reconstructive surgery, ENT, rheumatology, and orthopedics. Thanks to the lower radiation dose and the accurate imaging of the bony structures, in many cases, CBCT machines mean a proper diagnostic tool for head and neck radiology [2], especially if we consider the high sensitivity of the eye lens.

5.1 CBCT imaging of the paranasal sinuses

All ENT cases make the paranasal sinuses relevant to the anatomical region. One of the most important parameters is the field of view by the CBCT examination of the paranasal sinuses, which should be large enough to include all the sinuses from the frontal sinus to the maxillary sinus (Figure 11). Another important rule for the patient’s correct position is that the volume should include upper teeth radices to exclude odontogenic sinusitis, which is about 10–12% of all maxillary sinusitis [32].

Figure 11.

The main anatomical structures of the paranasal sinuses in coronal (a) and sagittal (b) view (1: maxillary sinus, 2: nasal septum, 3: inferior nasal concha, 4: middle nasal concha, 5: ostiomeatal complex, 6: frontal sinus, 7: ethmoid cells, 8: sphenoid sinus, 9: nasopharynx).

The frontal and sphenoid sinus, ethmoid cells, maxillary sinuses, and nasal cavity can be studied on the CBCT scan with large field of view. Figure 1 shows the main anatomical structures of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity on CBCT scans.

Although the CBCT imaging has low soft tissue contrast, this method is suitable to detect various signs of inflammation in the paranasal sinuses [33], such as circulated mucosal thickening, air-fluid level, or polypoid lesions, which typical cause widening in the ostiomeatal complex. Furthermore, thanks to visualization of the radices, we can differ the odontogenic and nonodontogenic sinusitis (Figure 12). By the malignant lesion, the most important radiological mark is the bone destruction, and in this case, additional imaging techniques, for example, contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT, are necessary for the accurate diagnosis.

Figure 12.

Sinusitis with oroantral fistula on CBCT scan.

5.2 CBCT imaging of the ear

Nowadays much more CBCT devices are suitable for the examination of the external, middle, and inner ear structures based on high-spatial resolution. For the valuable imaging of the ears, small FOV, low voxel size, approximately 100 μm, and precise patient positioning are required. It is possible to create scan one side or both sides during one rotation, and normally, the whole ear from the skull base to the mastoid process is in the volume tomogram. One of the main advantages of this technique is the low radiation dose oppose to the high-resolution CT, which is an alternative radiologic method to analyze the middle ear ossicles. In the literature, there are some articles that compare reliability of the two techniques for the detection of otosclerosis, but there is no consensus in this question [34, 35, 36, 37].

On the CBCT scan, we can identify the external auditory canal, the tympanic cavity with the ossicles [38], and the inner ear structures such as cochlea, semicircular canals, and the facial nerve (Figure 13). For the accurate diagnosis, different reconstructions are useful, such as Pöschl reformat for the evaluation of SSC and vestibular aqueduct or Stenvers reformat for the assessment of cochlea, facial nerve, and round window [39].

Figure 13.

External, middle, and inner ear structures on CBCT scans (1: internal auditory canal, 2: facial nerve, 3: malleus and incus, 4: tympanic cavity, 5: vestibule and lateral semicircular canal, 6: cochlea, 7: stapes, 8: mastoid cells, 9: semicircular canals, 10: epitympanum).

On the CBCT data, the radiologist can exclude lesions in the external auditory canal, in the tympanic cavity, or in the antromastoidal parts. The most frequently, inflammation can be found in the middle ear cavity or in the mastoid, but special lesions, for instance, glomus tympanicum or cholesteatoma, can be also detected on CBCT images. Despite the poor soft tissue contrast on the CBCT image sequences, there are radiological signs that are characteristic of the above-mentioned lesions. For example, bone destruction and location in the Prussak space are characteristic for the cholesteatoma, and the location on the cochlear promontory is typical for a glomus tympanicum paraganglioma (Figure 14).

Figure 14.

The image “a” shows cholesteatoma with bone destruction on the tympanic tegmen, and image “b” shows otosclerosis of the stapes.

5.3 CBCT imaging of maxillofacial bones

CBCT imaging is one of the best options for the diagnosis of facial bones, as it can accurately visualize the bone structures and reduce the metal artifact, e.g., from dental implants and crowns, more than conventional CT [40]. The evaluation of the whole facial skull is relevant in the field of the orthognathic and reconstructive surgery; therefore, large field of view is necessary but because of the minimalization of radiation dose larger, e.g., 0.3–0.4 mm voxel size is enough for the correct diagnosis. The CBCT imaging is suitable to detect facial fractures, craniofacial anomalies, bone tumor, or osteomyelitis. Besides of the diagnostics, frequently other aim of this examination is the preoperative surgical planning for orthognathic operation [41], which needs special 3D cephalometric software.

5.4 CBCT imaging of the airway

The CBCT volumetric data with large FOV can be used for the assessment of the upper airways [42, 43]. The volumetric measurement of the airways can facilitate the diagnosis of the patient with obstructive sleep apnea, and it can play an important role in the planning of orthodontic treatment [44, 45].

5.5 CBCT imaging of joints

Most of the CBCT devices are small size devices compared to the conventional CT, by which the patient stands or sits during the exposition. On the market, there are only a few CBCT appliances available in which the patient lies, and the device can scan the joints of the upper and lower extremity and the whole spine. Several constructions of CBCT machines are capable specifically for the joints of upper and lower extremity. These techniques provide the diagnosis of degenerative joint disease, arthritis, tumor-like bone lesion, and fracture of the bones [46, 47].

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6. Incidental findings on CBCT image sequences

Frequently in the field of dentistry and ENT large volume, CBCT scans are required for the diagnosis and treatment planning. The increasing of the volume increases the frequency of the incidental findings. Many articles examined the distribution of incidental findings in the dentomaxillofacial CBCT dataset, and the most common incidental findings are the intracranial calcification, frontal hyperostosis, tonsillolith, styloid calcification, antrolith, and artery calcification [48].

6.1 Intracranial calcification

The large volume dental or ENT volume tomogram involves intracranial anatomical structures. One of the most frequent incidental findings is the calcification of the internal carotid artery, in which typical location is by the carotid syphons. The other typical place of the calcification is along the superior sagittal sinus by the cerebral falx.

6.2 Tonsillolith

On the CBCT images, the small calcifications as hyperdense foci are easy to detect; therefore, this imaging technique is capable to visualize small tonsilloliths (Figure 15). These calcification clusters can be in or around the tonsils. These calculi cause no symptoms, and usually, these are only incidental findings, but other pathologies, e.g., foreign bodies, should be distinguished from these stones.

Figure 15.

Tonsillolith as hyperintense foci by the tonsils (a and b).

6.3 Styloid calcification

The calcification of the styloid ligament or the elongated styloid process is also known as Eagle syndrome (Figure 16), which is usually an incidental finding, but it can cause various symptoms, such as restricted mouth opening, shooting pain in the mandible, pressure in the throat, difficult swallowing, or by the compression on the internal carotid artery or internal jugular vein, and it can lead to intracranial pressure and transient ischemic attack.

Figure 16.

Calcification of the styloid ligament.

6.4 Antrolith

Antroliths are calcifications within the maxillary sinus, which are mostly asymptomatic, and require no treatment (Figure 17). On the other hand, larger antroliths may be a symptom of chronic sinusitis or fungal sinusitis, which may involve surgical removal. Antroliths are hyperdense foci or larger masses that are often embedded in the mucoperiosteum in the CBCT images.

Figure 17.

Calcification in the right maxillary sinus with mucosal thickening.

6.5 Artery calcification

One of the most frequent incidental findings on CBCT scans is the calcification of the carotid arteries. The calcifications are hyperdensity along the vessels. As the outcome of the calcification of the internal carotid artery can be stroke, the following stenosis with ultrasound is important.

6.6 Hyperostosis frontalis interna

Hyperostosis frontalis interna is a benign bone formation on the inner table of the frontal bone (Figure 18). Normally, it is a symmetric bone thickening, and sometimes, it involves the parietal bones also. The relevance of this disorder is in the differential diagnosis and to distinguish from the pathology such as sclerotic metastases, Paget disease, or fibrous dysplasia.

Figure 18.

Hyperostosis frontalis in coronal (a) and axial (b) view.

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7. Limitations and expected improvements

One limitation of the present CBCT technology is the high dependence of resolution to the object diameter. This is the reason why this technology is used on head and neck or extremity imaging. The diameter of the chest and abdomen is too big to get higher resolution images than MSCT. Another disadvantage of CBCT is its low quality in soft tissue imaging. Relatively low radiation dose combined with short exposure time provides low quality images of soft tissue structures. This is another reason for CBCT not to use chest and abdomen imaging.

CBCT technology is highly sensitive to object’s movement because of the high resolution and of the low number of projection images used for reconstruction. Usually, it is a challenge to control movements of patient, especially during head imaging. Some positions of the body lower head movements like supine position. Patient movement correction algorithms are available. X-ray scanning combined with video recording the actual movements of patient can be a useful method. Software can analyze and compensate for slight movements gained from video control and provides improved quality images [18].

Filtered back projection based on FDK algorithm is widely used way of reconstruction for CBCT technology. This reconstruction used in wide energy spectrum of X-ray beam arises some artifacts like beam hardening resulting in increased noise of images and misdiagnosis in clinical practice. Beam hardening reduction software is commonly used to improve images; however, this works as an image filtering. In one of our previous study, Monte Carlo analysis was used to compare beam hardening software in reducing beam hardening artifact errors and error by synchrotron micro-CT. Results showed that the beam hardening artifact reduction was comparable with synchrotron micro-CT images [49].

Along with beam hardening artifact scatters (metal artifacts) around the high density metal, implant material frequently causes clinical diagnostic problems since observers unable to detect bone tissue surrounding the implant surface [9]. Soft tissue contrast is further influenced by scatter [50]. Manufacturers usually provide post-processing metal artifact reduction software. Unfortunately this image enhancement is a filter method resulting in loss of peri-implant bone tissue on images [51]. In contrast to maximum likelihood expectation, maximization iterative reconstruction algorithms have proved to improve image quality and to increase signal-to-noise ratio [52]. At present, this is not a widely used method because of the limited capacity of personal computers. However, this way of reconstruction is able to provide image on peri-implant bone tissue. Another way for significant reduction of scatter is dual-energy imaging technology. In a study where single-energy CBCT and dual-energy CBCT were compared, metal artifact with the use of upstream filter on dual energy CT was significantly reduced. This method also resulted in higher signal-to-noise values [53].

Photon-counting CT is a state-of-art technology with the potential to dramatically change clinical 3D imaging. The hybrid-pixel photon-counting detector concept was first demonstrated at CERN in 1991 [54]. The detection of X-ray photons is realized by discriminators, which register a photon only if its energy exceeds a certain threshold value. This way the electronic noise is effectively eliminated and the detector does not affected by dark current signals. Implementation of additional discriminators with different threshold levels to the detector results in discrimination of polychromatic X-ray spectrum into several distinct energy bins [55].

Photon-counting CBCTs are able to reduce radiation dose, reconstruct images at a higher resolution, rectify beam-hardening artifacts, optimize contrast agents’ use, and create opportunities for quantitative imaging relative to current CBCT technology [56].

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Written By

Bence Tamás Szabó , Adrienn Dobai and Csaba Dobo-Nagy

Submitted: 01 October 2019 Reviewed: 20 December 2019 Published: 03 June 2020