• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.7-13
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• 2015

Purpose: We have developed a new method of segmenting the areas of absorbable implants and bone using region-based segmentation of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) images, which allowed us to quantify volumetric bone-implant contact (VBIC) and volumetric absorption (VA). Materials and Methods: The simple threshold technique generally used in micro-CT analysis cannot be used to segment the areas of absorbable implants and bone. Instead, a region-based segmentation method, a region-labeling method, and subsequent morphological operations were successively applied to micro-CT images. The three-dimensional VBIC and VA of the absorbable implant were then calculated over the entire volume of the implant. Two-dimensional (2D) bone-implant contact (BIC) and bone area (BA) were also measured based on the conventional histomorphometric method. Results: VA and VBIC increased significantly with as the healing period increased (p<0.05). VBIC values were significantly correlated with VA values (p<0.05) and with 2D BIC values (p<0.05). Conclusion: It is possible to quantify VBIC and VA for absorbable implants using micro-CT analysis using a region-based segmentation method.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.143-148
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• 2014

Purpose: This study evaluated the efficacy of alveolar ridge preservation methods with and without primary wound closure and the relationship between histometric and micro-computed tomographic (CT) data. Materials and Methods: Porcine hydroxyapatite with polytetrafluoroethylene membrane was implanted into a canine extraction socket. The density of the total mineralized tissue, remaining hydroxyapatite, and new bone was analyzed by histometry and micro-CT. The statistical association between these methods was evaluated. Results: Histometry and micro-CT showed that the group which underwent alveolar preservation without primary wound closure had significantly higher new bone density than the group with primary wound closure (P<0.05). However, there was no significant association between the data from histometry and micro-CT analysis. Conclusion: These results suggest that alveolar ridge preservation without primary wound closure enhanced new bone formation more effectively than that with primary wound closure. Further investigation is needed with respect to the comparison of histometry and micro-CT analysis.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.5.1-5.9
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• 2018

Objectives: This study evaluated the amount of remaining root canal filling materials after retreatment procedures performed by undergraduate students using manual, rotary, and reciprocating techniques through micro-computed tomographic analysis. The incidence of instrument fracture and the instrumentation time were also evaluated. Materials and Methods: Thirty maxillary single rooted teeth were prepared with Reciproc R25 files and filled with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer by the continuous wave of condensation technique. Then, the specimens were assigned to 3 groups (n = 10), according to the retreatment technique used: manual, rotary, and reciprocating groups, which used K-file, Mtwo retreatment file, and Reciproc file, respectively. Retreatments were performed by undergraduate students. The sample was scanned after root canal filling and retreatment procedures, and the images of the canals were examined to quantify the amount of remaining filling material. The incidence of instrument fracture and the instrumentation time were recorded. Results: Remaining filling material was observed in all specimens regardless of the technique used. The mean volume of remaining material was significantly lower in the Reciproc group than in the manual K-file and Mtwo retreatment groups (p < 0.05). The time required to achieve a satisfactory removal of canal filling material and refinement was significantly lower in the Mtwo retreatment and Reciproc groups (p < 0.05) when compared to the manual K-file group. No instrument fracture was observed in any of the groups. Conclusions: Reciproc was the most effective instrument in the removal of canal fillings after retreatments performed by undergraduate students.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.205-211
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• 2015

Purpose: This study was performed to compare the accuracy of micro-computed tomography (CT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting accessory canals in primary molars. Materials and Methods: Forty-one extracted human primary first and second molars were embedded in wax blocks and scanned using micro-CT and CBCT. After the images were taken, the samples were processed using a clearing technique and examined under a stereomicroscope in order to establish the gold standard for this study. The specimens were classified into three groups: maxillary molars, mandibular molars with three canals, and mandibular molars with four canals. Differences between the gold standard and the observations made using the imaging methods were calculated using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient test. Results: The presence of accessory canals in micro-CT images of maxillary and mandibular root canals showed a statistically significant correlation with the stereomicroscopic images used as a gold standard. No statistically significant correlation was found between the CBCT findings and the stereomicroscopic images. Conclusion: Although micro-CT is not suitable for clinical use, it provides more detailed information about minor anatomical structures. However, CBCT is convenient for clinical use but may not be capable of adequately analyzing the internal anatomy of primary teeth.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.27 no.11
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• pp.93-101
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• 2011

High quality X-ray computed microtomography (micro-CT) imaging of internal microstructures and pore space in geomaterials is often hampered by some inherent noises embedded in the images. In this paper, we introduce image calibration techniques for removing the most common noises in X-ray micro-CT, cupping (brightness difference between the periphery and central regions) and ring artifacts (consecutive concentric circles emanating from the origin). The artifacts removal sequentially applies coordinate transformation, normalization, and low-pass filtering in 2D Fourier spectrum to raw CT-images. The applicability and performance of the techniques are showcased by describing extraction of 3D pore structures from micro-CT images of porous basalt using artifacts reductions, binarization, and volume stacking. Comparisions between calibrated and raw images indicate that the artifacts removal allows us to avoid the overestimation of porosity of imaged materials, and proper calibration of the artifacts plays a crucial role in using X-ray CT for geomaterials.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.11.1-11.9
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• 2020

Objectives: This study compared the flow and filling of several retrograde filling materials using new different test models. Materials and Methods: Glass plates were manufactured with a central cavity and 4 grooves in the horizontal and vertical directions. Grooves with the dimensions used in the previous study (1 × 1 × 2 mm; length, width, and height respectively) were compared with grooves measuring 1 × 1 × 1 and 1 × 2 × 1 mm. Biodentine, intermediate restorative material (IRM), and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) were evaluated. Each material was placed in the central cavity, and then another glass plate and a metal weight were placed over the cement. The glass plate/material set was scanned using micro-computed tomography. Flow was calculated by linear measurements in the grooves. Central filling was calculated in the central cavity (㎣) and lateral filling was measured up to 2 mm from the central cavity. Results: Biodentine presented the least flow and better filling than IRM when evaluated in the 1 × 1 × 2 model. In a comparison of the test models, MTA had the most flow in the 1 × 1 × 2 model. All materials had lower lateral filling when the 1 × 1 × 2 model was used. Conclusions: Flow and filling were affected by the size of the test models. Higher grooves and materials with greater flow resulted in lower filling capacity. The test model measuring 1 × 1 × 2 mm showed a better ability to differentiate among the materials.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.34.1-34.7
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• 2020

Objectives: This study evaluated by using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) the filling ability and sealer apical extrusion promoted by a new Sealer Injection System (SIS; Angelus) with side openings needle, in comparison with the conventional injection system, associated with a new ready-to-use calcium silicate-based sealer (Bio-C Sealer). Materials and Methods: Acrylic resin models containing a main curved artificial canal and 3 simulated lateral canals in apical, middle and cervical thirds were used. The main root canals were prepared using a rotary system up to size 35.05. The canals were filled with Bio-C sealer by using a single cone technique and the conventional delivery system or SIS. Samples were scanned in micro-CT. The percentage of voids throughout the entire extension of the main root canal and in each third of the lateral canals, besides the apical extrusion of the sealer was calculated. Data were submitted to t-test (p < 0.05). Results: There was no difference between both systems in the main root canals filling. Although the volume percentage of voids was similar in the apical and middle thirds of lateral canals, SIS had the greatest filling ability of the cervical third lateral canal. Moreover, the conventional system showed the highest apical extrusion of the sealer. Conclusions: The conventional and SIS obturation systems had an appropriate filling ability of the main root canal. SIS had the best filling of the cervical third of the lateral canals, besides lower sealer apical extrusion, suggesting its clinical indication.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.30.1-30.11
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• 2020

Objectives: This micro-computed tomographic (CT) study aimed to compare the shaping abilities of ProTaper Next (PTN), One Shape (OS), and One Curve (OC) files in 3-dimensionally (3D)-printed mandibular molars. Materials and Methods: In order to ensure standardization, 3D-printed mandibular molars with a consistent mesiobuccal canal curvature (45°) were used in the present study (n = 18). Specimens were instrumented with the OC, OS, or PTN files. The teeth were scanned pre- and post-instrumentation using micro-CT to detect changes of the canal volume and surface area, as well as to quantify transportation of the canals after instrumentation. Two-way analysis of variance was used for statistical comparisons. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the OC and OS groups in the changes of the canal volume and surface area before and after instrumentation (p > 0.05). The OC files showed significantly less transportation than the OS or PTN systems for the apical section (p < 0.05). In a comparison of the systems, similar values were found at the coronal and middle levels, without any significant differences (p > 0.05). Conclusions: These 3 instrumentation systems showed similar shaping abilities, although the OC file achieved a lesser extent of transportation in the apical zone than the OS and PTN files. All 3 file systems were confirmed to be safe for use in mandibular mesial canals.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.27-34
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• 2021

Purpose: This study was performed to compare the ability of limited- and large-volume cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to display isthmuses in the apical root canals of mandibular molars. Materials and Methods: Forty human mandibular first molars with isthmuses in the apical 3 mm of mesial roots were scanned by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and their thickness, area, and length were recorded. The samples were examined using 2 CBCT systems, using the smallest voxels and field of view available for each device. The Mann-Whitney, Friedman, and Dunn multiple comparison tests were performed (α=0.05). Results: The 3D Accuitomo 170 and i-Cat devices detected 77.5% and 75.0% of isthmuses, respectively (P>0.05). For length measurements, there were significant differences between micro-CT and both 3D Accuitomo 170 and i-Cat(P<0.05). Conclusion: Both CBCT systems performed similarly and did not detect isthmuses in the apical third in some cases. CBCT still does not equal the performance of micro-CT in isthmus detection, but it is nonetheless a valuable tool in endodontic practice.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.171-179
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• 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images obtained using different voxel sizes in measuring trabecular bone microstructure in comparison to micro-CT. Materials and Methods: Twelve human skull bones containing posterior-mandibular alveolar bone regions were analyzed. CBCT images were obtained at voxel sizes of 0.075mm(high: HI) and 0.2mm(standard: Std), while microCT imaging used voxel sizes of 0.06 mm (HI) and 0.12 mm (Std). Analyses were performed using CTAn software with the standardized automatic global threshold method. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the consistency and agreement of paired measurements for bone volume (BV), percent bone volume (BV/TV), bone surface (BS), trabecular thickness (TbTh), trabecular separation (TbSp), trabecular number (TbN), trabecular pattern factor(TbPf), and structure model index (SMI). Results: When compared to micro-CT, CBCT images had higher BV, BV/TV, and TbTh values, while micro-CT images had lower BS, TbSp, TbN, TbPf, and SMI values (P<0.05). The BV, BV/BT, TbTh, and TbSp variables were higher with Std voxels, whereas the BS, TbPf, and SMI variables were higher with HI voxels for both imaging methods. For each imaging modality and voxel size evaluated, BV, BS, and TbTh were significantly different(P<0.05). TbN, TbPf, and SMI showed statistically significant differences between imaging methods(P<0.05). The consistency and absolute agreement between micro-CT and CBCT were excellent for all variables. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the potential of high-resolution CBCT imaging for quantitative bone morphometry assessment.