A 3d Imaging System for Dental Imaging Based on Digital Tomosynthesis and Cone Beam Ct

The use of cone beam projections for tomographic reconstruction using CBCT has triggered the interest of many investigators. Tomographic systems for dental applications based on CBCT and using isocentric rotational fluoroscopic machines has already been proposed. Collecting, however, projection data over 360 as required by CBCT is not always desirable due to radiation protection considerations. Limited arc methods for tomographic reconstruction such as Digital Tomosynthesis (DTS), could have been used prior to dental surgery. In this paper, we propose the use of both DTS and CBCT reconstruction methods as an integrated solution for providing tomographic data in dental applications. A system for 3D imaging based on DTS-CBCT techniques is described and tested on simulated and actual data. Such a system may be implemented on commercial available hardware components appropriately selected for optimization of performance.