Influence of voxel size on micro-CT analysis of debris after root canal preparation

Author(s)

Pinto, Jader Camilo ; Esteves Torres, Fernanda Ferrari ; Santos Jr, Airton Oliveira ; Medina Carita Tavares, Karina Ines ; Guerreiro-Tanomaru, Juliane Maria ; Tanomaru-Filho, Mario

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BRAZILIAN ORAL RESEARCH; v. 35, p. 7-pg., 2021-01-01.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) voxel size on the evaluation of debris accumulation after passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) in curved root canals prepared with rotary nickel-titanium files. Mesial root canals (n = 24) of mandibular molars with curvature between 25 degrees and 35 degrees were prepared using ProDesign Logic 30/.05 (PDL) or HyFlex EDM 25/.08 (HEDM). PUI was performed after root canal preparation of all root canals. The specimens were scanned using high-resolution (5 mu m voxel size) micro-CT imaging before and after experimental procedures. The percentage of debris was analyzed in the middle and apical thirds using images with 5,10 and 20 mu m voxel sizes. Data were compared using unpaired and paired Student's t-test, ANOVA and Tukey's statistical tests (alpha = 0.05). There were no differences among the debris analyses performed at different voxel sizes (5, 10 and 20 mu m) (p > 0.05). The percentage of debris was similar between the root canals prepared by PDL and HEDM before and after PUI (p > 0.05). In both groups, the percentage of debris decreased in the middle third after PUI (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of this ex vivo study, it can be concluded that the voxel sizes evaluated did not have a significant impact on the analysis of accumulated debris. However, the results showed a tendency for detection of more debris in the analysis performed using a lower voxel size. PUI decreased the debris accumulation in the middle third of curved root canals. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/19665-6 - Effect of the acquisition and analysis of the images in micro-CT in the evaluation of different phases of endodontic treatment in mandibular molars
• Grantee: Jáder Camilo Pinto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 17/19049-0 - Evaluation of the root canal treatment procedures, physicochemical and biological properties of tricalcium silicate-based materials
• Grantee: Mario Tanomaru Filho
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants