Construction of three-dimensional tooth model by micro-computed tomography and application for data sharing

Area of Science:

• Paleontology
• Anthropology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Dental morphology is crucial for understanding evolutionary relationships.
• Three-dimensional (3D) imaging technologies allow non-destructive tooth analysis.
• Standardized 3D tooth data is needed for comparative studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a methodology for creating shareable 3D dental models.
• To demonstrate the conversion of micro-CT data into accessible formats.
• To support the development of an online database for 3D tooth models.

Main Methods:

• Acquired geometric data of a human permanent upper left incisor using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).
• Segmented enamel, dentine, and pulp based on grayscale intensity.
• Exported segmented data in STereo-Lithography Interface Format (STL) and converted to Wavefront OBJ and Quick Time Virtual Reality (QTVR) formats.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated 3D models of dental structures.
• Converted models into widely compatible formats (OBJ, QTVR) and provided original TIFF data.
• Demonstrated a viable workflow for creating digital 3D tooth representations.

Conclusions:

• 3D tooth models can be constructed using micro-CT and standard software.
• General-purpose data formats enable broad usability of digital dental models.
• Accessible 3D models will advance the field of dental morphology research.