How image-processing parameters can influence the assessment of dental materials using micro-CT

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Biomaterials
• Radiology

Background:

• Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is crucial for analyzing dental materials.
• Voxel size and post-processing algorithms can influence micro-CT results.
• Standardization is needed for reliable dental material evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of voxel size and post-processing algorithms on micro-CT analysis of dental materials.
• To compare the volume and porosity measurements of different dental materials under varying micro-CT parameters.

Main Methods:

• Root-end cavities in premolars were filled with MTA, Biodentine, and IRM.
• Samples were scanned using micro-CT at voxel sizes of 5, 10, and 20 µm.
• Volume and porosity were analyzed using CTAn, MeVisLab/Materialise 3-matic, and MeVisLab/Amira software.

Main Results:

• Larger voxel sizes tended to increase material volume measurements.
• CTAn showed higher volumes for MTA and IRM at 20 µm.
• Porosity decreased with increasing voxel size, with significant differences across all materials.
• Biodentine exhibited significant volume and porosity differences across all voxel sizes and software packages.

Conclusions:

• Voxel size, image-processing software, and material radiopacity affect micro-CT analyses of dental materials.
• Significant variations in volume and porosity measurements were observed.
• Development of consistent protocols is necessary for accurate dental material research using micro-CT.