ABSTRACT
A principal determinant of resolution of maxillofacial cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging is the individual volume element or voxel acquired, which results in the formation of the volumetric dataset. In maxillofacial CBCT imaging, volumetric voxel dimensions are dependent on both the acquired resolution and reconstructed resolution. Maxillofacial CBCT systems can be categorized according to the orientation of the patient during image acquisition and whether they operate on dedicated or hybrid panoramic platforms. Practitioners and operators using maxillofacial CBCT must have a thorough understanding of the operational parameters and the effects of these parameters on image quality and radiation safety. The image quality of maxillofacial CBCT devices is dependent on spatial and contrast resolution, image noise, and artifacts. Several interacting acquisition variables have an effect on image quality. Dental and maxillofacial CBCT units are identical in construction and acquisition to those used in otolaryngology.
