Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026
07:03
Dynamic Navigation in Endodontics: Guided Access Cavity Preparation by Means of a Miniaturized Navigation System
Published on: May 5, 2022
5.4K
Comparison of automatic and visual methods used for image segmentation in Endodontics: a microCT study
Polyane Mazucatto Queiroz1, Karla Rovaris1, Gustavo Machado Santaella1
1Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba, Departamento de Diagnóstico Oral, Área de Radiologia Oral, Piracicaba, SP, Brasil.
Journal of Applied Oral Science : Revista FOB
|December 7, 2017
Summary
Visual and automatic segmentation methods for microCT images yielded similar root canal volume and surface area measurements. However, automatic segmentation is recommended for improved reproducibility in threshold determination.
Area of Science:
- Dental imaging
- Endodontics
- Microcomputed tomography (microCT)
Background:
- Accurate root canal volume and surface area calculations from microCT images depend on image segmentation.
- Segmentation involves selecting threshold values, which can be determined visually or automatically.
- Visual methods are subjective and operator-dependent, while automatic methods rely on algorithms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare visual and automatic image segmentation methods for root canal analysis.
- To assess the influence of operator visual acuity on measurement reproducibility.
- To evaluate the suitability of each method for determining threshold values in microCT imaging.
Main Methods:
- MicroCT scanning of 31 extracted human anterior teeth.
- Visual segmentation by three experienced examiners to record threshold values.
- Automatic segmentation using dedicated software's 'Automatic Threshold Tool'.
- Volume and surface area measurements using both visual and automatic thresholds.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference was found between visual and automatic segmentation for root canal volume (p=0.93).
- No statistically significant difference was observed between visual and automatic segmentation for root canal surface area (p=0.79).
Conclusions:
- Both visual and automatic segmentation methods are viable for calculating root canal volume and surface area.
- Automatic segmentation offers superior reproducibility for threshold determination compared to visual methods.
