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.
Highlights
In Endodontics, it is important for some studies to have a morphometric analysis of teeth for evaluating aspects such as the shaping ability of endodontic instruments, simulated root canal abnormalities, GHFDOFL¿FDWLRQ DQG VHFWLRQLQJ WHFKQLTXHV +RZHYHU VRPHWHFKQLTXHVFDQKDYHOLPLWDWLRQVWKDWGRQRWIXO¿OO the requirements for some researchers25
The results obtained with this modality can be as good as those obtained with histological images for endodontic analyses8,32
Dedicated software provided by the manufacturer of the microtomography unit is normally used to analyze the acquired images and determine the volume and area of root canals
Summary
Microtomography is an imaging modality with increasing application in dental research due to its non-destructive technology that enables visualization of anatomical structures at the micrometer level. In Endodontics, microtomography allows for qualitative and quantitative three-dimensional analyses of root canals while maintaining root integrity. The results obtained with this modality can be as good as those obtained with histological images for endodontic analyses. Since the knowledge of the root canals’ anatomical subtleties is essential in Endodontics, there have been several studies measuring root canal surface and volume by microtomography. To calculate root canal volume and surface area, one needs to begin with image segmentation. It is essential that the grey value thresholds for dental hard tissues and root canal spaces are carefully determined, as inadequacies in this step may result in an over- or underestimation of measurements
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