title: Minimum-intensity projection for in-depth morphology study of mesiobuccal root.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This micro-computed tomography (MCT) study investigated the utility of thin-slab minimum-intensity projection (TS-MinIP) technique as an adjunct to 3-dimensional (3D) modeling for in-depth morphology study.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred one extracted maxillary first molars were scanned for microtomographic analysis (SkyScan). Two-dimensional TS-MinIP and 3D images of mesiobuccal (MB) roots were produced and analyzed to record the number and configurations of the canals, the incidence and location of accessory canals, loop, and intercanal connections, and number of foramina.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Multiple-canal MB roots were present in 76.2%, and all of the roots had intercanal communications. Weine type III configuration was the most common in the multiple-canal roots. Accessory canals were found in 78.2% of the roots. Configurations that were nonclassifiable were found in 10.9% of the MB roots.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MB root canal anatomy was complex, and MinIP may serve as an adjunct to 3D modeling for in-depth morphology study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry, Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Gu
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: L S W
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Spångberg
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Seo
authors.forename: S W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Hur
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: K Y
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Kum
mesh_terms: D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008437:Maxilla; D008963:Molar / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography / Q000379:methods*