Methods: A total of twelve implants were randomly divided into 4 groups: 1) implants with cover screw and resin embedment; 2) implants with cover screw but no resin embedment; 3) implants with no cover screw but with resin embedment; 4) implants with no cover screw or or resin embedment. The implants were scanned with micro-CT at 0°, 45° and 90° tube angulation. Images were assessed and the ratio of artifact volume to total volume (AV/TV) was calculated. A multiple regression analysis in stepwise model was used to determine the significance of different factors. One-way ANOVA was performed to identify which combination of factors could minimize the artifact.
Results: In the regression analysis, tube angulation was identified as the best predictor for artifact among the factors. Resin embedment also had significant effect on artifact volume while cover screw had not. ANOVA analysis indicated that non-embedded implants produced minimal artifact when the axis of implant was parallel to the center of x-ray source of micro-CT.
Conclusions: Tube angulation and resin embedment affected the artifact volume of micro-CT scanning for implant while cover screw did not.