Variations in head tilt during the acquisition of cone beam computed tomography scans and their effects on effective radiation dose.

Objectives: This study evaluated the impact of variations in anteroposterior and lateral tilts of patients head on radiation-weighted doses to organs/tissues and effective doses using 3 different cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) machines.

Methods: An anthropomorphic phantom was used to estimate radiation doses in 3 CBCT machines (OP300, Eagle X 3D, and Eagle Edge). Thermoluminescent dosimeters were placed in regions corresponding to pre-stablished organ/tissues.