Accuracy of CBCT images in the volumetric assessment of residual root canal filling material: Effect of voxel size.

AIMS: Our aim was to compare three different voxel sizes of CBCT images for the determination of residual filling material volume in root canals when compared with micro CT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-two root canals of 14 extracted human maxillary molar teeth were retreated by using ProFile® instruments. Images were obtained after retreatment by using ProMax 3D Max CBCT at 3 different voxel sizes (1) High resolution (0.1 mm); (2) High definition (0.15 mm); and (3) Normal resolution (0.2 mm). Two observers measured volumes of residual filling materials in exported CBCT images by means of 3D Doctor Software. Micro CT measurements were served as gold standard. Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon Test were used for the comparison of CBCT and micro CT measurements. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: No statistically differences were found between the two observers for all measurements (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences among different CBCT voxel sizes used (0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, and 0.2 mm) (P > 0.05). The Spearman correlation coefficients between CBCT at different voxel sizes significantly highly correlated with micro CT measurements for each observer (P < 0.05). Furthermore, no significant differences were found between the measurements obtained by the two observers in consideration to root canal location (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: CBCT images may provide useful information in the volumetric assessment of the amount of residual filling material in root canals for retreatment procedures.

Ability to detect endodontic complications using three different cone beam computed tomography units with and without artefact reduction modes: an ex vivo study.

AIM: To assess observer performance in detecting endodontic complications using three different cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) units with and without the application of artefact reduction modes. METHODOLOGY: The study involved 40 freshly extracted human mandibular teeth (n = 10 per group) and divided randomly into four endodontic complication groups. Group 1) Instrument fracture; Group 2) Strip perforation; Group 3) Canal underfilling; and Group 4) Canal overfilling. Images of each tooth were obtained using three different CBCT units offering artefact reduction algorithms: the ProMax 3D Max, the Pax Flex 3D and the Dentri S. Four observers evaluated the images for the presence/absence of the four simulated endodontic complications. Weighted kappa coefficients and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to reveal the intra- and inter-observer agreement for each imaging mode, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the observers' performance. DeLong tests were used to compare the results for each image mode and observer using a significance level of α = 0.05. RESULTS: In each of the four simulated endodontic complication groups, no significant differences were observed with and without application of artefact reduction for any of the three CBCT units tested. Only two significant differences were detected, and both were between the ProMax 3D Max at low mode AR and ProMax 3D Max without AR: observer 2 in group 1 (P = 0.0001) and observer 4 in group 4 (P = 0.0256). CONCLUSION: For each of the three CBCT units tested, application of artefact reduction for detecting endodontic complications is not recommended as a routine tool.

Characterization of primary and permanent teeth using terahertz spectroscopy.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse teeth samples by using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) system that was developed in the laboratory to measure the properties of sliced teeth sections in transmission mode. METHODS: Using home-built THz-TDS system, we analysed a total of 25 teeth samples (9 primary and 16 permanent teeth). For transmission measurements, the refractive index and absorptive properties of the teeth sections were calculated. Difference between groups was tested using Mann-Whitney U-test statistics at the specific frequency of 0.5 THz, which was at the midpoint of the bandwidth. Median and minimum-maximum values were given as descriptive statistics. Type-I error rate was taken as α = 0.05. RESULTS: Median refractive index values for permanent and primary teeth were found to be 2.53 and 2.54, respectively. Median absorption coefficient values for permanent and primary teeth were found to be 26.29 and 29.67, respectively. Median refractive index values for both healthy and carious teeth were found to be 2.54. Median absorption coefficient values for healthy and carious teeth were found to be 26.52 and 27.13, respectively. Although higher median absorption coefficient values were found for primary and carious teeth than those of permanent and healthy teeth, the differences were insignificant (p > 0.05). In addition, no statistical differences were found for refractive index values among different groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: THz imaging has the potential to be used in assessing dental structures.

Accuracy of CBCT images in the assessment of buccal marginal alveolar peri-implant defects: effect of field of view.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the reliability and accuracy of cone beam CT (CBCT) images obtained at different fields of view in detecting and quantifying simulated buccal marginal alveolar peri-implant defects. METHODS: Simulated buccal defects were prepared in 69 implants inserted into cadaver mandibles. CBCT images at three different fields of view were acquired: 40 × 40, 60 × 60 and 100 × 100 mm. The presence or absence of defects was assessed on three sets of images using a five-point scale by three observers. Observers also measured the depth, width and volume of defects on CBCT images, which were compared with physical measurements. The kappa value was calculated to assess intra- and interobserver agreement. Six-way repeated analysis of variance was used to evaluate treatment effects on the diagnosis. Pairwise comparisons of median true-positive and true-negative rates were calculated by the χ² test. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between measurements. Significance level was set as p < 0.05. RESULTS: All observers had excellent intra-observer agreement. Defect status (p < 0.001) and defect size (p < 0.001) factors were statistically significant. Pairwise interactions were found between defect status and defect size (p = 0.001). No differences between median true-positive or true-negative values were found between CBCT field of views (p > 0.05). Significant correlations were found between physical and CBCT measurements (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: All CBCT images performed similarly for the detection of simulated buccal marginal alveolar peri-implant defects. Depth, width and volume measurements of the defects from various CBCT images correlated highly with physical measurements.

Effect of orthodontic brackets and different wires on radiofrequency heating and magnetic field interactions during 3-T MRI.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the heating and magnetic field interactions of fixed orthodontic appliances with different wires and ligaments in a 3-T MRI environment and to estimate the safety of these orthodontic materials. METHODS: 40 non-carious extracted human maxillary teeth were embedded in polyvinyl chloride boxes, and orthodontic brackets were bonded. Nickel-titanium and stainless steel arch wires, and elastic and stainless steel ligaments were used to obtain four experimental groups in total. Specimens were evaluated at 3 T for radiofrequency heating and magnetic field interactions. Radiofrequency heating was evaluated by placing specimens in a cylindrical plastic container filled with isotonic solution and measuring changes in temperature after T1 weighted axial sequencing and after completion of all sequences. Translational attraction and torque values of specimens were also evaluated. One-way ANOVA test was used to compare continuous variables of temperature change. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: None of the groups exhibited excessive heating (highest temperature change: <3.04 °C), with the maximum increase in temperature observed at the end of the T1 weighted axial sequence. Magnetic field interactions changed depending on the material used. Although the brackets presented minor interactions that would not cause movement in situ, nickel-titanium and stainless steel wires presented great interactions that may pose a risk for the patient. CONCLUSIONS: The temperature changes of the specimens were considered to be within acceptable ranges. With regard to magnetic field interactions, brackets can be considered "MR safe"; however, it would be safe to replace the wires before MRI.

Assessment of buccal marginal alveolar peri-implant and periodontal defects using a cone beam CT system with and without the application of metal artefact reduction mode.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the accuracy of cone beam CT (CBCT) images obtained with and without artefact reduction (AR) in detecting simulated buccal peri-implant and buccal periodontal defects. METHODS: 42 implants inserted into edentulous mandibles, and 38 teeth present in dry mandibles were used. Simulated buccal peri-implant defects (n = 22) and buccal periodontal defects (n = 22) were prepared. 20 implants and 18 teeth without simulated defects were the control group. Images of the mandibles were obtained using a Planmeca ProMax(®) 3D Max CBCT unit (Planmeca Oy, Helsinki, Finland). Image reconstructions were prepared without and with low, medium and high AR modes. Images were viewed randomly by six observers twice for the presence of defects. Kappa coefficient was calculated. F2_LD_F1 design for non-parametric analysis of longitudinal data was used. Area under curves (AUCs) were calculated for each observer. Significance level was taken as α = 0.05. RESULTS: Intraobserver kappa ranged from 0.140 to 0.792 for peri-implant and from 0.189 to 1.0 for periodontal defects. All factors were statistically significant (p < 0.001), except for image mode and implant brand. Pairwise interactions were found between periodontal defects and peri-implant defects (p < 0.001), observers (p < 0.001), observer and image mode (p < 0.001), defect model and observer (p < 0.001) and defect model, image mode and observer (p = 0.04). AUC values ranged from 0.39 to 0.52 for peri-implant and from 0.45 to 0.71 for periodontal defects. Higher AUC values were found for periodontal defects than for peri-implant defects. CONCLUSIONS: Buccal peri-implant defects were more difficult to detect than buccal periodontal defects. No difference was found among CBCT images obtained with and without AR modes.

Radiographic detection of artificially created horizontal root fracture using different cone beam CT units with small fields of view.

OBJECTIVES: To compare limited cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) units with different field of views (FOVs) and voxel sizes in detecting artificially created horizontal root fracture (HRF) in extracted human teeth. METHODS: Artificial HRF was created in the horizontal plane in 40 teeth. Another 40 intact teeth served as a control group. 80 teeth were placed in the respective maxillary anterior sockets of a human dry skull in groups. Six image sets were obtained: (1) Accuitomo 170, 40 × 40 mm FOV (0.080 mm(3)); (2) Accuitomo 170, 60 × 60 mm FOV (0.125 mm(3)); (3) Kodak 9000, 50 × 37 mm FOV (0.076 mm(3)); (4) Kodak 9000, 50 × 37 mm FOV (0.100 mm(3)); (5) Vatech Pax-Duo3D 50 × 50 mm FOV (0.080 mm(3)) and (6) Vatech Pax-Duo3D 85 × 85 mm FOV (0.120 mm(3)). Images were evaluated twice by five observers. Kappa values were calculated for observer agreement. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (Az values) were calculated, and the Az values for each image type were compared using t-tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Intraobserver kappa coefficients ranged from 0.81 to 0.95 for the Accuitomo 170 images, from 0.80 to 0.92 for the Kodak 9000 images and from 0.76 to 0.95 for Vatech PanX-Duo3D. The Az values for different image types and observers ranged from 0.93 to 0.97 for Accuitomo 170 images, from 0.93 to 0.98 for Kodak 9000 images and from 0.93 to 0.97 for the Vatech PanX-Duo3D images. No statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between the Az values. CONCLUSIONS: Limited CBCT units performed similarly in detecting simulated HRF.

Visibility of artificial buccal recurrent caries under restorations using different radiographic techniques.

The aim of the present study was to assess intraoral images and two cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) systems for detection of artificial buccal recurrent caries under restorations. Class V cavities were made for composite (30 teeth) and amalgam (30 teeth). Full restorations with thermoplastic polymer (30 teeth) and nickel-chromium metal crown (30 teeth) were constructed. In 60 teeth, artificial buccal recurrent caries were simulated; 60 other teeth served as controls. Intraoral film, intraoral digital, Veraviewepocs 3D, and Kodak 9000 images were scored twice. κ Coefficients were calculated and Az values were compared using Z-tests, with a significance level of α=0.05. Higher interobserver agreement was obtained from the CBCT images compared with the intraoral images. The Az values of both readings of all three observers were highest for the Veraviewepocs 3D followed by Kodak 9000 except for the second reading of the third observer. CBCT outperformed intraoral radiography in detection of artificial buccal recurrent caries under restorations.

Proximal caries detection accuracy using intraoral bitewing radiography, extraoral bitewing radiography and panoramic radiography.

OBJECTIVE: To compare proximal caries detection using intraoral bitewing, extraoral bitewing and panoramic radiography. METHODS: 80 extracted human premolar and molar teeth with and without proximal caries were used. Intraoral radiographs were taken with Kodak Insight film (Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, NY) using the bitewing technique. Extraoral bitewing and panoramic images were obtained using a Planmeca Promax Digital Panoramic X-ray unit (Planmeca Inc., Helsinki, Finland). Images were evaluated by three observers twice. In total, 160 proximal surfaces were assessed. Intra- and interobserver kappa coefficients were calculated. Scores obtained from the three techniques were compared with the histological gold standard using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Az values for each image type, observer and reading were compared using z-tests, with a significance level of α = 0.05. RESULTS: Kappa coefficients ranged from 0.883 to 0.963 for the intraoral bitewing, from 0.715 to 0.893 for the extraoral bitewing, and from 0.659 to 0.884 for the panoramic radiography. Interobserver agreements for the first and second readings for the intraoral bitewing images were between 0.717 and 0.780, the extraoral bitewing readings were between 0.569 and 0.707, and the panoramic images were between 0.477 and 0.740. The Az values for both readings of all three observers were highest for the intraoral bitewing. Az values for the extraoral bitewing images were higher than those of the panoramic images without statistical significance (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intraoral bitewing radiography was superior to extraoral bitewing and panoramic radiography in diagnosing proximal caries of premolar and molar teeth ex vivo. Similar intra- and interobserver coefficients were calculated for extraoral bitewing and panoramic radiography.

Dental students' knowledge and attitudes towards cone beam computed tomography in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate students' knowledge and attitudes regarding cone beam CT (CBCT). METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of 11 questions was given to 472 dental students (280 pre-graduate and 192 post-graduate) at two institutions located in Ankara, Turkey (Ankara University, Faculty of Dentistry, and Gazi University, Faculty of Dentistry). Differences in responses by institution, education level and sex were statistically assessed with the χ(2) test. RESULTS: Statistical results showed that only 63.3% of students had heard of CBCT. Of these, 59.9% said they had learned about CBCT in their classes, 31.0% in seminars and 20.9% from the internet; 76.8% felt that CBCT was not given adequate coverage in their courses; 69% thought that CBCT should be taught as part of their clinical education; 91% thought it essential for CBCT to be available at dental faculties; 53.5% believed that the use of CBCT would become more widespread in the near future; and 84.9% wished to use CBCT technology in their future careers. CONCLUSION: This research suggests that efforts should be made to improve students' knowledge base regarding CBCT and that the dental school curriculum should devote more curriculum time to this promising new technology.

Diagnostic accuracy of different imaging modalities in detection of proximal caries.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the in vitro diagnostic ability of visual inspection, film, charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor, photostimulable phosphor (PSP) sensor and cone beam CT in the detection of proximal caries in posterior teeth compared with the histological gold standard. METHODS: Visual inspection, film, CCD, PSP and cone beam CT images were used to detect proximal caries in the mesial and distal surfaces of 138 teeth (276 surfaces). Visual inspection and evaluation of all intraoral digital and conventional radiographs and cone beam CT images were performed twice by three oral radiologists. Weighted kappa coefficients were calculated to assess intra- and interobserver agreement for each image set, and scores were compared with the histological gold standard using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to evaluate diagnostic ability. RESULTS: Intraobserver kappa coefficients calculated for each observer for each method of detecting caries ranged from 0.739 to 0.928. Strong interobserver agreement ranging from 0.631 to 0.811 was found for all detection methods. The highest Az values for all three observers were obtained with the cone beam CT images; however, differences between detection methods were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Visual inspection, film, CCD, PSP plates and cone beam CT performed similarly in the detection of proximal caries.

A comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of CBCT images of different voxel resolutions used to detect simulated small internal resorption cavities.

AIM: To assess ex vivo the use of two different cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) units at different voxel resolutions for the detection of simulated small internal resorption cavities. METHODOLOGY: A total of 60 single-rooted mandibular incisors and canines were split mesiodistally along the coronal plane into labial and lingual sections. Artificial internal root resorption was simulated by drilling with a 0.5-mm-diameter round bur to its full depth at either the cervical or apical portion of the labial wall. In total, 60 cavities were created (30 cervical and 30 apical), and 60 locations (30 cervical and 30 apical) were left without cavities. The sections were rejoined and placed in dry human mandibles in groups of 6 and imaged using two different CBCT units at different resolutions to obtain five image sets as follows: Iluma, ultra-resolution (0.1 mm(3)); Iluma, high-resolution (0.2 mm(3)); Iluma, low-resolution (0.3 mm(3)); 3D Accuitomo 170, 6 x 6 cm FOV (0.125 mm(3)); 3D Accuitomo 170, 8 x 8 cm FOV (0.160 mm(3)). Each image set was viewed by two observers and evaluated using a 5-point scale for detection of internal resorption cavities. Kappa coefficients were calculated to assess intra- and inter-observer agreement. Az values were calculated and compared, with a significance level of alpha = 0.05. RESULTS: Kappa values were fair-to-moderate for the low-resolution Iluma images and good to excellent for all other image sets. Both intra- and inter-observer agreement values were higher for the Accuitomo images than for the Iluma images. The highest Az values were obtained with the Accuitomo 0.125 mm(3) images and the lowest with the Iluma 0.3 mm(3) images. The Az values for the Accuitomo and Iluma ultra- and high-resolution images were higher than those of the low-resolution Iluma images. No differences (P > 0.05) for internal resorption detection were found between the Az values of the Accuitomo 0.125 mm(3), Accuitomo 0.160 mm(3), ultra-resolution Iluma and high-resolution Iluma images. CONCLUSION: Ultra-and high-resolution Iluma and Accuitomo 0.125 and 0.160 mm(3) CBCT images performed similarly and better than low-resolution Iluma images in the detection of simulated internal resorption ex vivo.

Accuracy of chemically created periapical lesion measurements using limited cone beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to assess the accuracy and reproducibility of measurements of chemically created periapical lesions using limited cone beam CT. METHODS: Periapical lesions were chemically created in 18 mandibular cadaver teeth. Mandibles were dissected buccolingually using a bone-cutting burr. Diameters and depths were measured directly in the cross-sectional slices using a precision digital caliper. The cross-sectional slices were then embedded in wax, and cone beam CT images were acquired using a NewTom 3G Plus scanner with both 6 inch and 9 inch fields of view (FOVs). Two oral radiologists measured the diameter and depth of periapical lesions on the cross-sectional images using the built-in measurement tools. Measurements were repeated after a 1 week interval. Inter- and intraobserver agreement was calculated by ANOVA. Regression analysis was used to test the correlation between the cone beam CT and digital caliper measurements. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in diameter or depth measurements between or within observers or between 6 inch and 9 inch FOV images. Regression analysis of diameter and depth measurements made by direct caliper versus 6 inch or 9 inch FOV images revealed a high regression coefficient (for diameter: 6 inch FOV, R(2) = 94.6%; 9 inch FOV, R(2) = 94.8%; P<0.001; for depth: 6 inch FOV, R(2) = 99.3%; 9 inch FOV, R(2) = 99.3%; P<0.001) showing a strong linear relationship. For the diameter, the mean deviation from direct caliper measurements was 0.0625 mm and 0.08958 mm, respectively; for the 6 inch FOV and 9 inch FOV images, and for depth, the mean deviation was, respectively, -0.1001 mm and 0.09875 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Cone beam CT yielded highly accurate and reproducible results in the quantitative assessment of periapical lesions.

A comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of in vivo and in vitro photostimulable phosphor digital images in the detection of occlusal caries lesions.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of diagnoses of occlusal caries lesions from digital images captured using a photostimulable phosphor (PSP) sensor under in vivo and in vitro conditions and to present useful clinical data regarding the clinical application of the system. METHODS: The study sample comprised 60 mandibular third molars (30 sound and 30 with occlusal caries) requiring extraction. A pre-extraction and post-extraction image of each tooth were acquired using a PSP sensor. A stopwatch was used to record the time required for the clinical procedures. Patient comfort or discomfort during image acquisition was also recorded. Images were evaluated twice by three observers using a five-point scale. Kappa coefficients were calculated to assess intra- and interobserver agreement. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the diagnostic performance of each observer for both in vivo and in vitro images. The t-test was used to compare A(z) values, with a significance level set at 0.05 (alpha _ 0.05). The time required for clinical imaging procedures in patients who claimed discomfort and in those who did not was compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Intraobserver agreement was almost perfect, whereas interobserver agreement was fair to moderate. No statistically significant differences were found in the accuracy of diagnoses of occlusal caries lesions using in vivo and in vitro digital images. The median time needed for image exposure was 1.04 min and the median time needed to complete the image acquisition procedure was 1.45 min. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of accuracy of occlusal caries lesions using in vivo and in vitro digital images yielded similar results.

The position of the mandibular canal and histologic feature of the inferior alveolar nerve.

The inferior alveolar nerve is the one of the large branches of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. It is vulnerable during surgical procedures of the mandible. Despite its importance, no anatomical and histological examination has been conducted to provide a detailed cross-sectional morphology of the mandibular canal according to dental status. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the position of the mandibular canal through direct measurement and to determine the branches of the inferior alveolar nerve through histologic examination. The area between the anterior margin of the third molar and the anterior margin of the second premolar of dentulous, partially dentulous, and edentulous hemimandible specimens (n = 49) from 26 human cadavers was serially sectioned into seven segments, and specific distances were measured using digital calipers. Following this, 5-microm cross-sections were prepared along the mandibular canal and mental foramen, and examined by fluorescence microscopy. The mandibular canal was located at a mean distance of 10.52 mm above the inferior margin of the mandible. The mean maximum diameters of the mandibular canal, inferior alveolar nerve, inferior alveolar artery, and inferior alveolar vein were 2.52, 1.84, 0.42, and 0.58 mm, respectively. This study found that the inferior alveolar nerve often gives rise to several branches at each level (range 0-3). To minimize the risk of injury, knowledge of the small branches of the nerve and of the detailed findings regarding the position of the mandibular canal reported here should be considered when planning mandibular surgery, especially during implant placement.

Osseous choristoma of the submandibular region: case report.

This report presents a case of osseous choristoma in the submandibular region of a 33-year-old female. Her chief complaint was painless swelling in the submandibular region. Panoramic radiography showed a well-defined, round, radiopaque lesion near the inferior border of the right mandibular angle. Coronal and sagittal tomographic images indicated a high-density area in the right submandibular region with no bony connection. The lesion was diagnosed as an osseous choristoma based on histopathological examination of the surgical specimen. A 1-year follow-up period was uneventful.

Assessment of HIV/AIDS awareness among 500 patients referred to the Ankara University Faculty of Dentistry.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge of and attitudes to AIDS among patients referred to the Ankara University Faculty of Dentistry, Turkey. DESIGN: A random sample of 500 patients participated and completed a questionnaire which comprised of six basic questions aimed at assessing the respondent's general knowledge and attitude towards AIDS. The questionnaire also collected demographic information about each patient, including age, gender and level of education. RESULTS: : Out of 500 respondents, 65 (13%) had been tested for HIV. The majority of respondents, 479 (95.8%) were aware that AIDS was a transmissible disease, and of these, 410 (85.6%) knew that semen and blood were modes of transmission. In addition, 451 (90.2%) respondents were in favour of requiring AIDS testing for all patients undergoing dental treatment. Educational level was found to be the main factor affecting the number of correct answers regarding transmission of the disease. CONCLUSION: The study highlighted dental patients' misconceptions, risk perceptions, and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS.

Quantitative measurements obtained by micro-computed tomography and confocal laser scanning microscopy.

OBJECTIVES: To compare measurements obtained by micro-CT with those obtained by confocal laser scanning microscope in simulative internal resorption cavities. METHODS: An extracted human maxillary central incisor tooth was divided into two in the coronal plane. Four artificial internal resorption cavities were prepared with standardized burs on each section, and diameters and volumes were measured using a laser scanning electron confocal microscope and a desktop cone beam micro-CT-40. Differences between means of quantitative measurements for both methods were tested using the paired t-test; the correlation between quantitative measurements was tested by regression analysis. RESULTS: Mean diameter and volume differences between the two methods were 0.061 mm and 0.004 mm(3), respectively. Average diameter and volume calculations obtained by micro-CT were significantly lower (P < 0.001 for diameter and P < 0.01 for volume). A significantly strong relationship was found in the average diameters (R(2) = 92.9%) and calculated volumes (R(2) = 91%), (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although a strong correlation between both methods was found, micro-CT significantly underestimated the diameters and volumes.