Comparison of automatic and visual methods used for image segmentation in Endodontics: a microCT study

Abstract To calculate root canal volume and surface area in microCT images, an image segmentation by selecting threshold values is required, which can be determined by visual or automatic methods. Visual determination is influenced by the operator's visual acuity, while the automatic method is done entirely by computer algorithms. Objective: To compare between visual and automatic segmentation, and to determine the influence of the operator's visual acuity on the reproducibility of root canal volume and area measurements. Material and methods: Images from 31 extracted human anterior teeth were scanned with a μCT scanner. Three experienced examiners performed visual image segmentation, and threshold values were recorded. Automatic segmentation was done using the "Automatic Threshold Tool" available in the dedicated software provided by the scanner's manufacturer. Volume and area measurements were performed using the threshold values determined both visually and automatically. Results: The paired Student's t-test showed no significant difference between visual and automatic segmentation methods regarding root canal volume measurements (p=0.93) and root canal surface (p=0.79). Conclusion: Although visual and automatic segmentation methods can be used to determine the threshold and calculate root canal volume and surface, the automatic method may be the most suitable for ensuring the reproducibility of threshold determination.

Impact of micronutrients supplementation on bone repair around implants: microCT and counter-torque analysis in rats

ABSTRACT The use of natural substances and micronutritional approaches has been suggested as a therapeutic alternative to benefit the bone healing associated with no side effects. Nevertheless, the influence of micronutritional interventions with therapeutic proprieties on the bone repair has yet to be intensely evaluated, and no evidence is available exploring the impact of micronutrient supplementation on the peri-implant bone healing. Objective This study investigated the effect of micronutrients supplementation on the bone repair around implants. Material and Methods One screw-shaped titanium implant was inserted in each tibia of each rat, which were assigned to: daily administration, for 30 d, of the placebo solution (Placebo group-n:18) or micronutrients supplementation (Micronutrients group-n:18), based on calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D3 intake. After, the animals were sacrificed. One of the implants was removed by applying a counter-torque force to evaluate the force to rupture the bone-implant interface. The other implant was evaluated by microcomputed tomography (CT) examination to determine the bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and the bone volume (BV/TV). Results No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups for both counter-torque values and microCT parameters (p>0.05). Conclusion Within the limits of this study, micronutrients supplementation did not provide additional benefits to the bone healing around dental implants.

Effect of Low Shrinkage Monomers on Physicochemical Properties of Dental Resin Composites

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of low shrinkage monomers on physicochemical properties of dental resin composites. Two low shrinkage resin composites: one with a crosslink branching monomer (Kalore, GC Corp) and a novel monomer (Venus Diamond, Heraeus Kulzer) were compared to a conventional resin composite formulation (Filtek Z250, 3M/ESPE). The volumetric shrinkage was evaluated by µCT analysis (n=5) and the physicochemical properties by degree of C=C conversion (DC), flexural strength (FS) and Young's modulus (YM) (n=10). All samples were light cured by a LED device (Radii, SDI) with 16 J/cm2. The results were analysed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey test for multiple comparisons (α=0.05). No statistical difference was found between µCT shrinkage values to Kalore (1.8%) and Venus Diamond (1.7%) (p≥0.05); Z250 presented statistical highest shrinkage value (2.0%). Kalore presented higher statistical DC (60.8%) than Venus Diamond (49.5%) and Z250 (49.6%). No statistical difference was found between FS or YM properties to Venus Diamond and Z250; Kalore presented statistical lowest FS and YM properties (p≥0.05). Conclusion: Using novel monomers seem to reduce polymerization shrinkage without affecting the physicochemical properties evaluated of resin composites rather than using crosslink branching monomers.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de monômeros de baixa contração de polimerização nas propriedades físico-químicas de resinas compostas. Duas resinas de baixa contração de polimerização com monômeros do tipo crosslink (Kalore GC Corp) ou do tipo novelar (Venus Diamond Heraeus Kulzer) foram comparadas a uma resina composta convencional (Filtek Z250 3M/ESPE). A contração de polimerização foi avaliada através da análise por µCT (n=5) e as propriedades físico-químicas através da análise do grau de conversão C=C (GC) resistência flexural (RF) e módulo de Young (MY) (n=10). Todas as amostras foram fotoativadas com uma fonte de LED (Radii SDI) com 16 J/cm2. Todos os resultados foram submetidos aos testes de análise de variância de 1 fator e ao teste de Tukey para comparações múltiplas (α=0,05). Nenhuma diferença estatística foi encontrada para os valores de contração de polimerização para Kalore (1,8 %) e Venus Diamond (1,7 %) (p≥0,05). Z250 apresentou estatisticamente maior contração de polimerização (2,0%). Kalore apresentou estatisticamente maior GC (60,8%) que Venus Diamond (49,5%) e Z250 (49,6%). Nenhuma diferença estatística foi encontrada para as propriedades RF e MY entre Venus Diamond e Z250. Kalore apresentou os menores valores estatisticos para FS e MY (p≥0,05). O monômero novelar parece reduzir a contração de polimerização sem afetar as propriedades físico-químicas avaliadas das resinas compostas de forma mais adequada que a utilização de monômeros do tipo crosslinker.

A survey on dental undergraduates' knowledge of oral radiology

Dentists’ incorrect behavior with regards to Oral Radiology, as reported in the literature, has beenrelated to inadequate training of undergraduates. Aim: This study assessed dental undergraduates’knowledge of Oral Radiology. Methods: A questionnaire containing 30 questions pertaining tothree domains - General Principles, Radiobiology/Radioprotection and Technique/Interpretation- was used as data collection instrument. A total of 195 students answered the questionnaires.Results: No statistically significant differences were found between second-, third- and fourthyearstudents (p>0.05) when the whole questionnaire and the General Principles domain (p>0.05)were considered. The Technique/Interpretation domain presented a borderline statistical significancelevel (p=0.051), with more correct answers attributed to second-year students. A statisticallysignificant difference (p<0.05) was seen for the Radiobiology/Radioprotection domain, in whichthe fourth-year students performed better. Conclusions: Dental undergraduates’ knowledge ofOral Radiology did not increase or decrease significantly comparing the undergraduate years.However, with the exception of the Technique/Interpretation domain, students of more advancedundergraduate years answered more correctly the questions. Nevertheless, the Technique/Interpretation domain should be reinforced throughout the undergraduate course.