Radiation Dose Minimization and Image Optimization for CBCT

CBCT, to reiterate, should never be used routinely by the dentist for imaging patients when any other lower dose modality would provide the necessary diagnostic information.^{9,15,20-24,41-54} This imaging method delivers a considerably higher dose when compared to traditional imaging methods and should be reserved for situations in which 3D images of the teeth and adjacent structures are necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.^{9,15,20,21,24,34,40-42,47,49,51,54-63} Most new systems provide scanning protocols with lower-dose setting options.^60,61,64,65 In addition, operators can reduce patient exposure by using the smallest FOV necessary for the clinical purpose as well as manually adjust the combination of the x-ray tube output and the scan time when feasible.^{50,52,54,59,60,62,66-68}