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May 31, 2026

Projection-domain reconstruction of patient-specific panoramic images from CBCT projection data

Key Points

This study aims to develop a method for creating patient-specific panoramic images directly from CBCT data, eliminating the need for separate panoramic scans.
CT2Pano algorithm detects teeth and estimates dental arch curves using Bézier optimization.
A virtual panoramic scan trajectory is defined based on extracted arches, and panoramic projections are derived from CBCT.
Geometric correction and subpixel rebinning support image reconstruction using the shift-and-add method.
CT2Pano achieves anatomical fidelity comparable to conventional panoramic imaging systems.
The method compensates for geometric distortion effectively, even with metal artifacts or misalignment.
Patient-specific reconstructions reduce radiation exposure and enhance workflow efficiency.

Abstract

Background Panoramic radiography is widely used in dental diagnostics; however, conventional systems require a dedicated panoramic scan, increasing radiation exposure and limiting adaptation to patient-specific anatomical variability. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides volumetric information that may potentially replace separate panoramic acquisitions. Purpose This study proposes CT2Pano, a projection-domain reconstruction method that generates patient-specific panoramic images directly from CBCT projection data without requiring an additional panoramic scan. Methods The CT2Pano algorithm automatically detects teeth from CBCT images and estimates a patient-specific dental arch curve using Bézier curve optimization. Based on the extracted arch, a virtual panoramic scan trajectory is defined and panoramic projections are extracted from the corresponding CBCT projections. Geometric correction combined with subpixel rebinning compensates for magnification variations caused by the fixed rotation center of the CBCT systems. The final panoramic image is reconstructed using a shift-and-add (SAA) method that enhances structures within the focal trough while suppressing out-of-plane structures. Results Simulation and phantom experiments demonstrate that CT2Pano generates panoramic images with anatomical fidelity comparable to conventional panoramic imaging systems. The method effectively compensates for geometric distortion and maintains image quality even in the presence of metal artifacts or patient misalignment. Conclusions CT2Pano enables patient-specific panoramic reconstruction directly from CBCT projection data, eliminating the need for an additional panoramic scan. By operating in the projection domain, the proposed framework preserves measurement information while reducing radiation exposure and improving imaging workflow efficiency, highlighting its potential for CBCT-based panoramic imaging in dental diagnostics.

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