title: Comparison of micro-computerized tomography and cone-beam computerized tomography in the detection of accessory canals in primary molars.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.; Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Buket
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Acar
authors.affiliation: Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Kıvanç
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kamburoğlu
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: İlkan
authors.initials: İ
authors.lastname: Tatar
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Kırıkkale University, Kırıkkale, Turkey.
authors.forename: Volkan
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Arıkan
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Hakan Hamdi
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Çelik
authors.affiliation: Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Selcen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yüksel
authors.affiliation: Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Gulhane Military Hospital, Dental Clinics, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Tuncer
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Özen
keywords: Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Decalcification Technique; Tooth, Deciduous; X-Ray Microtomography