Effect of Voxel Size of Micro-CT on the Assessment of Root Canal Preparation

Author(s)

Pinto, Jader Camilo ; Lucas-Oliveira, Everton ; Bonagamba, Tito Jose ; Guerreiro-Tanomaru, Juliane Maria ; Tanomaru-Filho, Mario

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ODOVTOS INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DENTAL SCIENCES; v. 25, n. 2, p. 10-pg., 2023-05-01.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) voxel size on evaluation of root canal preparation using rotary heat-treated nickel-titanium files. Curved mesial root canals of mandibular molars were prepared using ProDesign Logic 30/.05 (PDL) or HyFlex EDM 25/.08 (HEDM) (n=12). The specimens were scanned using micro-CT with 5 mu m of voxel size before and after root canal preparation. Images with sub-resolution of 10 and 20 mu m voxel sizes were obtained. The percentage of volume increase, debris and uninstrumented root canal surface were analyzed in the different voxel sizes. Data were compared using unpaired Student's t-test and ANOVA statistical tests (alpha=0.05). No differences were observed for percentage of volume increase, debris and instrumented surface between the root canals prepared by PDL and HEDM (p>0.05). Both systems promoted higher percentage of debris in the apical third compared to the middle third (p<0.05). After instrumentation using PDL the percentage of uninstrumented surface was highr in the apical third than middle third only when analysis were performed at 5 mu m (p<0.05). When comparing the different voxel sizes (5,10 or 20 mu m), both groups showed different means for the variables, with no significant difference (p>0.05). PDL and HEDM had similar root canal preparation capacity. Micro-CT images using different voxel sizes did not influence the results of volume increase and debris evaluation. However, images at 5 mu m showed greater accuracy to evaluate the percentage of uninstrumented surfaces. (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