title: Application of high resolution microfocus X-ray CT for the observation of human tooth.
abstract: The calcification degree of extracted human teeth was observed by using high resolution microfocus X-ray CT. As samples, upper and lower first premolars extracted from a 21-year-old female were used. The computed tomograms were produced by high resolution microfocus X-ray CT with a open vacuum X-ray source, rotating sample stage, and image sensor. The distinction between enamel and dentin was very clear, and the shape of the pulp cavity was also clearly identified. The secondary dentin was visible in the circumpulpal dentin. The color map displays showed the heterogeneity of the calcification degree not only in the dentin but also in the enamel. The enamel was divided into three layers according to the calcification degree. High resolution microfocus X-ray CT was very useful for the observation of the internal structure of human teeth without destroying the samples.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Materials, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, 2-870-1 Sakaecho, Nishi, Matsudo, Chiba, 271-8587, Japan.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hayakawa
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mishima
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Yokota
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sakae
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kozawa
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nemoto
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003116:Color; D003626:Data Display; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003804:Dentin / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003809:Dentin, Secondary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014074:Tooth Calcification / Q000502:physiology*; D019228:Tooth Crown / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging