Imaging Sci Dent.  2015 Dec;45(4):205-211. 10.5624/isd.2015.45.4.205.

Comparison of micro-computerized tomography and cone-beam computerized tomography in the detection of accessory canals in primary molars

• Acar B
• Kamburoglu K
• Tatar I
• Arikan V
• Celik HH
• Yuksel S
• Ozen T

• KMID: 2132932
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2015.45.4.205

Abstract

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.

Keyword

X-Ray Microtomography; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Tooth, Deciduous; Decalcification Technique

MeSH Terms

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography*
Decalcification Technique
Dental Pulp Cavity
Humans
Molar*
Tooth, Deciduous
X-Ray Microtomography

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The accessory canals are seen on an axial cone-beam computed tomography image.

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  Fig. 2 The accessory canals are seen an axial micro-computed tomography image.

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  Fig. 3 A. The injected ink is visualized in the accessory canals under the stereomicroscope (10x). B. the main and accessory canals.

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