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Influence of moisture content of frozen and embalmed human cadavers for identification of dentinal microcracks using
Tina Rödig1, Christian Dullin2, Fabian Kück3
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of moisture content in frozen and embalmed human cadavers on the detection of dentinal microcracks using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). The group of embalmed specimens included three mandibular and two maxillary segments each containing one tooth. The group of frozen cadavers consisted of two frozen mandibular bone-blocks with two teeth and one mandibular segment containing one tooth. The final number of teeth for each preservation method was n = 5. All specimens were scanned with eight different moisture conditions: 48 h wet, 2 h dry, 48 h wet, 24 h dry, 48 h wet, 1 wk dry, 48 h wet, 1 wk dry. Micro-CT images were screened for the presence of dentinal microcracks. Statistical analysis was performed by nonparametric analysis of variance (α = 5%). Only few microcracks were observed in wet and in 2 h dried bone-blocks with no significant differences (p = 0.63 and p = 0.23, respectively). There was a significant and steady increase of microcracks within the groups of dried specimens as follows: 2 h dry < 24 h dry < first wk dry < second wk dry (all p < 0.008). Preservation method had no significant influence on the visibility of microcracks (p = 0.98). Identification of dentinal microcracks on micro-CT images is influenced by moisture content of cadaveric bone-blocks irrespective of the preservation method.
Insights
Moisture content significantly impacts detecting dentinal microcracks in human cadavers using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Drying increases microcracks, regardless of whether specimens are frozen or embalmed.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Dental Anatomy
- Radiology
Background:
- Accurate identification of dentinal microcracks is crucial in forensic and anthropological studies.
- Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a valuable tool for visualizing internal tooth structures.
- The influence of specimen preservation methods and moisture content on micro-CT analysis of dentinal microcracks requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of moisture content on the detection of dentinal microcracks in human cadavers.
- To compare the influence of frozen versus embalmed preservation methods on microcrack visibility.
- To determine the optimal moisture conditions for micro-CT analysis of dentinal microcracks.
Main Methods:
- Human cadaveric specimens (embalmed and frozen) were subjected to eight different moisture conditions.
- Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to scan all specimens.
- Images were analyzed for the presence and number of dentinal microcracks, followed by statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- A significant and progressive increase in dentinal microcracks was observed with increasing drying times.
- Few microcracks were detected in specimens that were wet or only dried for 2 hours.
- The preservation method (frozen vs. embalmed) had no significant impact on microcrack detection.
Conclusions:
- Moisture content is a critical factor influencing the detection of dentinal microcracks using micro-CT.
- Specimen dehydration leads to a significant increase in observable microcracks.
- Micro-CT analysis of dentinal microcracks in cadaveric samples is reliable irrespective of preservation method, provided moisture content is considered.
