Three dimensional x-ray imaging system

Abstract

Three dimensional X-ray imaging systems are described in this application. In particular, this application describes a 3D dental intra-oral imaging (3DIO) system and associated methods using a series of 2D image projections. The methods include making a 3D image of an object by providing an X-ray source on a first side of a object to be imaged, positioning a substantially stationary X-ray detector on an opposite side of the object from the X-ray source, moving the X-ray source in a circular motion to multiple positions on the first side of the object, collecting multiple two dimensional (2D) images of the object in less than about 10 seconds when the X-ray source is located in the multiple positions, and reconstructing a three-dimensional (3D) image using the multiple 2D images. In some methods, 15 to 100 2D images of the object can be collected by pulsing the X-ray source for about 5 ms to about 40 ms per image in each of the multiple positions. In other methods, 15 to 100 2D images of the object can be collected in less than 10 seconds by pulsing the X-ray source for about 5 ms to about 40 ms per image in each of the multiple positions. These X-ray systems and methods offer a quick method of imaging an object, such as a tooth, while at the same time using a low radiation dose. Other embodiments are described.