MICROCOMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - AN ADVANCED SYSTEM FOR DETAILED ENDODONTICRESEARCH

This study evaluated the value of microcomputed tomography (MCT) for u se in endodontic research. Four periodontally involved highly calcifie d maxillary first molars were extracted and then scanned for evaluatio n by a MCT system. The teeth were then instrumented, and 2 of the 4 ob turated before rescanning for comparison evaluation. Several capabilit ies of the MCT to advance endodontic research significantly were obser ved: the ability of the MCT to present accurately the external and int ernal morphologies of the tooth without tooth destruction; the possibi lity of showing changes over time in surface areas and volumes of tiss ues; the ability to assess area and volume changes after instrumentati on or obturation; and the capability of evaluating canal transportatio n following instrumentation or instrumentation and obturation. The tre mendous potential of this scientific tool was discussed.