Reference line for computed tomogram of the mandible

This study was performed to determine the proper reference line for taking axial computed tomograms from which the good cross-sectional views can be reformatted by multiplanar reconstruction. Three dry mandibles with implanted gutta percha cones in the extracted socket were scanned axially according to 6 reference lines of 2 mandibular positions with computed tomogram Hitachi W550. The accuracy of measurements of the lengths of implanted gutta percha cones in the each cross-sectional view reformatted from axial computed tomogram by multiplanar reconstruction was evaluated. The difference between the measurements and the real length of implant was smallest in the bucco-lingual views reformatted from the axial views scanned according to the reference line of group V-a. The smaller the angle difference between reference line and occlusal line was, the smaller the difference between the measurements in the bucco-lingual views reformatted from axial views and the real length of implant. The majority of measured widths of implants in the bucco-lingually reformatted views were larger than the actual values. When the mandible is inclined within the limitation of gantry angle and scanned with the reference line coincident with occlusal plane, the bucco-lingual view can be reformatted without deformation of images from the axially scanned images.