A Novel Protocol For CBCT 3D Volume Rendering Noise and Artifacts Reduction In Cases of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars

Abstract

Aim: This study was carried out to introduce and evaluate a fast, simple user-friendly protocol for improving the quality of CBCT based 3D volume and producing a 3D model that can be used effectively in multiple dental applications Subjects and methods: 40 DICOM files of small field of view (FOV) for patients with impacted lower third molars were used in the present study. The 3D Volume style was changed into black and white with modification in contrast and transparency then “clean rendering tool” was used before returning to the default style. Volume quality was recorded before and after applying the proposed protocol and was compared for data matching with the corresponding axial, reformatted panoramic and cross-sectional images. Moreover, a survey for dentists was collected regarding the ease of application, satisfaction with the modified volume and suggested applications. Results: . The results showed that all the tested volumes were improved with reduced noise and artifacts. Conclusion: the proposed protocol was successful and easy to use. The improved volume was suggested to be used for the patient communication, surgical planning, dental education and furthermore applications.