title: Three-dimensional reconstruction: a new method for the evaluation of apical microleakage.
abstract: The purpose of this study was the evaluation of a new method for studying apical microleakage by using a three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction method. Fourteen human single-rooted mandibular teeth were used for this work. The canals were prepared with hand instruments by using the step-back technique. To supply a focus to the study of the method, the teeth were divided into two groups that were obturated using two different sealers. India ink was used for passive stain. Serial cross-sections 0.75 mm thick were taken from each specimen by using a special microtome. Each section was photographed under a stereoscopic microscope. Each photograph was digitized and processed to obtain a 3-D reconstruction of the external surface of the teeth, their corresponding prepared root canals, and their apical microleakage. Sample size and experimental methods were not designed to make valid groups; however, apical microleakage was observed in both groups ranging between 2.25 to 8.25 mm height. The 3-D reconstruction method has proved to be a useful tool in the study of apical microleakage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontology, Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki,  Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lyroudia
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Pantelidou
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mikrogeorgis
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nikopoulos
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pitas
mesh_terms: D002244:Carbon; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003763:Dental Leakage / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008334:Mandible; D010781:Photography; D019227:Tooth Apex / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D004396:Coloring Agents; C028433:chinese ink; D002244:Carbon