title: Microcomputed tomography: an advanced system for detailed endodontic research.
abstract: This study evaluated the value of microcomputed tomography (MCT) for use in endodontic research. Four periodontally involved highly calcified maxillary first molars were extracted and then scanned for evaluation by a MCT system. The teeth were then instrumented, and 2 of the 4 obturated before rescanning for comparison evaluation. Several capabilities of the MCT to advance endodontic research significantly were observed: the ability of the MCT to present accurately the external and internal morphologies of the tooth without tooth destruction; the possibility of showing changes over time in surface areas and volumes of tissues; the ability to assess area and volume changes after instrumentation or obturation; and the capability of evaluating canal transportation following instrumentation or instrumentation and obturation. The tremendous potential of this scientific tool was discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 78256-2032, USA.
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Alyassin
authors.forename: D D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Carnes
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lancaster
mesh_terms: D003784:Dental Pulp Calcification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003788:Dental Pulp Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018865:Dental Research / Q000379:methods; D003809:Dentin, Secondary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging