Abstract
We evaluated the feasibility of performing preoperative spiral CT of the maxilla and mandible with a radiation dose similar to that used for conventional panoramic radiography. The skin entrance doses of radiation used for spiral CT (collimation, 1 mm; pitch, 2; tube voltage, 80 kV; tube current, 40 mA) and for panoramic radiography (75 kV, 8 mA, 15 seconds) were measured in one patient by using thermoluminescent dosimeter chips. Results were 0.56 +/- 0.06 mGy for CT and 0.59 +/- 0.04 mGy for radiography. Image quality was adequate for preoperative implant planning. Spiral CT of the mandible and maxilla may therefore be feasible with a radiation dose of similar magnitude as that used for conventional panoramic radiography.
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