Evaluation of different soft tissue-simulating materials in pixel intensity values in cone beam computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Dental Imaging
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Accurate simulation of soft tissues is crucial for interpreting cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images in dental research.
• Understanding the influence of soft tissues on CBCT image quality is essential for diagnostic accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of various materials as soft tissue simulators in CBCT.
• To assess the impact of intact soft tissues versus simulated tissues on CBCT imaging outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Piglet heads were imaged with intact soft tissues, stripped tissues, and four different simulated soft tissue materials (acrylic, water, utility wax, expanded polystyrene).
• Pixel intensity values were analyzed for teeth and alveolar bone regions using analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Main Results:

• Expanded polystyrene (EPS) with or without utility wax demonstrated effectiveness in simulating soft tissues for most evaluated regions.
• Acrylic showed moderate effectiveness, while water proved ineffective as a soft tissue simulator.
• Statistical differences were noted in the lower anterior bone and upper anterior tooth regions across various material groups.

Conclusions:

• EPS (2-cm thick), with or without utility wax (1-cm thick), is a suitable material for simulating soft tissues in CBCT imaging for most anatomical areas.
• Acrylic (0.5 cm) is a less effective but viable alternative.
• The influence of intact soft tissues on CBCT image quality was minimal in most regions evaluated.