RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine if it is possible to measure age-related pulp cavity signal intensity changes by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). STUDY DESIGN: Dental pulp cavity signal intensities were assessed in 92 test subjects on the basis of MRI signal intensity measurements at freely defined regions of interest by using T1 gradient echo sequences before and after contrast-agent administration. Relative signal intensity differences were calculated and provided the basis for age- and tooth-related comparisons. RESULTS: Significant signal intensity differences were noted between the oldest (born between 1930 and 1959) and the youngest (born after 1980) test subjects and the other groups (P < .05). In addition, the first molars showed significantly lower signal intensity differences than the second molars (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to determine pulp cavity signal-intensity changes with age.