Evaluation of foreign bodies in the maxillofacial region with cone beam computed tomography and ultrasonography: an ex vivo study

CBCT is optimal for radiopaque foreign body detection, whereas the US excels in identifying radiolucent materials. All foreign bodies could be visualized with US, wood and plastic could not be observed with CBCT. As the size of the foreign body increased, it could be observed more clearly on both CBCT and US. The foreign body sensitivity of the US was higher than that of the CBCT. These findings suggest that CBCT is preferable for identifying metalic and dense radiopaque foreign bodies, while the US may be beneficial in detecting radiolucent materials such as wood and plastic.