The imaging of root canal obturation using micro-CT

To examine the potential and accuracy of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for imaging of filled root canals.

The root canals of five extracted maxillary teeth were shaped manually with K-files. After irrigation and drying, the root canals were filled by lateral condensation using gutta-percha cones and AH plus (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) as sealer. The filled root canals were examined by micro-CT at resolutions <11 microm. Three-dimensional reconstructions of the root canal fillings were made. The roots were sectioned histologically and standard photographs of the sectioned surfaces were taken. Digitized photographic images and the corresponding micro-CT sections were correlated qualitatively by superimposition. Quantitative morphometric data were obtained with respect to the surface area of the root canal filling and the individual gutta-percha points of the histological and the micro-CT sections. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated.

There was a good qualitative correlation between the images from the histological and the micro-CT sections. The fillings were clearly differentiated from the root canal walls. Individual gutta-percha cones and sealer were discernable. Pearson correlation coefficients showed a highly significant correlation between the two methods (P < 0.001) with respect to the area of the complete root canal filling (r = 0.992) and the gutta-percha cones (r = 0.968).

The micro-CT technique was a highly accurate and nondestructive method for the evaluation of root canal fillings and its constituents. Qualitative and quantitative correlation between histological and micro-CT examination of root canal fillings was high.