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The imaging of root canal obturation using micro‐CT
Author(s) -
Jung M.,
Lommel D.,
Klimek J.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
international endodontic journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.988
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1365-2591
pISSN - 0143-2885
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2591.2005.00990.x
Subject(s) - root canal , dentistry , materials science , gutta percha , positive correlation , computed tomography , orthodontics , medicine , radiology
Aim To examine the potential and accuracy of micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) for imaging of filled root canals. Methodology The root canals of five extracted maxillary teeth were shaped manually with K‐files. After irrigation and drying, the root canals were filled by lateral condensation using gutta‐percha cones and AH plus (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) as sealer. The filled root canals were examined by micro‐CT at resolutions <11 μ m. Three‐dimensional reconstructions of the root canal fillings were made. The roots were sectioned histologically and standard photographs of the sectioned surfaces were taken. Digitized photographic images and the corresponding micro‐CT sections were correlated qualitatively by superimposition. Quantitative morphometric data were obtained with respect to the surface area of the root canal filling and the individual gutta‐percha points of the histological and the micro‐CT sections. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated. Results There was a good qualitative correlation between the images from the histological and the micro‐CT sections. The fillings were clearly differentiated from the root canal walls. Individual gutta‐percha cones and sealer were discernable. Pearson correlation coefficients showed a highly significant correlation between the two methods ( P < 0.001) with respect to the area of the complete root canal filling ( r = 0.992) and the gutta‐percha cones ( r = 0.968). Conclusions The micro‐CT technique was a highly accurate and nondestructive method for the evaluation of root canal fillings and its constituents. Qualitative and quantitative correlation between histological and micro‐CT examination of root canal fillings was high.