A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF ARTIFACTS IN CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGES OF PATIENTS IN A HOSPITAL

Introduction:In the field of dentistry, cone beam computed tomography is frequently used as a method of research. Although it provides a three-dimensional image of the head and neck structures, there are drawbacks in the form of artifacts that reduce image clarity and force the patient to undergo another radiograph, increasing their exposure to radiation. The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of artifacts in cone beam computed tomography images of patients who were visiting a hospital. Methods:All cone beam computed tomography radiographs of patients between June 2020 and March 2023 were included in a descriptive cross-sectional study on patient cone beam CT images in the dental radiology archives at the Department of Dentistry. There were 780 patient images in the research. When present, the artifacts were recorded and classified as inherent, procedure-related, introduced, and patient motion artifacts. Calculations included a point estimate and a 95% Confidence Interval. Results:There were artifacts in 665 (85.25%) (82.76-87.74, 95% Confidence Interval) of the 780-cone beam computed tomography image subjects. Conclusions:Patients cone beam computed tomography images typically contain artifacts, which is consistent with research conducted in related environments.