Task-based comparison of CBCT acquisition presets for peri-implant assessment: visibility, noise, and metal artifact burden

To compare clinically available CBCT acquisition presets for peri-implant assessment and evaluate their impact on image quality and measurement performance, particularly in the presence of metal-related artifacts. In this ex vivo study, ten sheep mandibles with titanium implants (Ø3.7 mm) were scanned using three acquisition presets (5 × 5, 10 × 10, and 16 × 17 cm) on a single CBCT unit. Quantitative metrics (average gray value, SNR, CNR) and qualitative visibility scores were analyzed. Caliper measurements served as reference standards. Statistical analysis included repeated-measures ANOVA, paired comparisons, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Significant differences were observed across acquisition presets for cortical visibility, perceived noise, and metal artifact severity ( P < 0.001). The 5 × 5 cm preset was associated with improved cortical visibility and reduced artifact expression under the tested conditions. Measurement performance was task dependent: buccal thickness agreement was highest with the 16 × 17 cm preset, socket depth remained stable across presets, and socket diameter showed poor reliability in the presence of implants. The observed differences reflect performance variations between manufacturer-defined acquisition presets rather than isolated FOV effects. Smaller-volume presets provided improved peri-implant cortical visibility under the tested conditions, whereas dimensional accuracy varied by task. CBCT protocol selection should therefore be task-specific and device-dependent.