Abstract
This study used available or purchased equipment and an image reconstruction system developed by the college of dentistry to establish a basic self-assembled micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) system. Such a system would be suitable for teaching dental radiology to dental students. Specifically, it could help students to understand the principles governing dental cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and provide graduate students with a system for scanning small samples (e.g., individual teeth) during the early stages of research. The self-assembled micro-CT system was constructed using a portable dental X-ray tube, an intraoral digital X-ray detector, a high-precision rotation stage, related bracket accessories, and a notebook computer. Reconstructed images and three-dimensional models of the maxillary right third molar were produced using the self-assembled micro-CT system and an advanced commercially available micro-CT system (Skyscan 2211). Subsequently, the reconstructed images and 3D models produced using the two systems were compared by two senior dentists to determine whether considerable visual differences could be observed. Finally, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was used for quantitative analysis and to compare the systems. Although the self-assembled micro-CT system produced image boundaries that were not as sharp as those of Skyscan 2211, the images were nonetheless remarkably similar. In addition, the two micro-CT systems produced 3D models that were almost identical in appearance and root canal shape. Quantitative analysis revealed that Skyscan 2211 had produced a SNR that was superior to that of the self-assembled micro-CT system, with the difference ranging from 36.77% to 136.22%; enamel, which has a higher density, exhibited lower SNR differences, whereas dentin, which has a lower density, exhibited higher SNR differences. The self-assembled micro-CT system with a resolution of 36 μm was created using a portable dental X-ray tube and an intraoral digital X-ray detector. Although the scanning time was relatively long (~30 min to scan images of a tooth), the images were adequate in the preliminary stage of experiments. More importantly, students were afforded the opportunity to observe the process of assembling and disassembling each component of a micro-CT scanner and thereby achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the principles governing micro-CT and dental CBCT.
Highlights
Micro computed tomography is a noninvasive detection tool that employs radiation and digital X-ray detectors to capture images of a sample’s internal structure without damaging the sample [1]
A total of seven reconstructed images at different axial heights were selected for comparison
These images reveal that the edges of the images taken with the selfassembled micro-CT system were not as sharp in the edge as those in the images taken with the Skyscan 2211, the images were similar
Summary
Micro computed tomography (micro-CT) is a noninvasive detection tool that employs radiation and digital X-ray detectors to capture images of a sample’s internal structure (on a micro level) without damaging the sample [1]. A micro-CT system contains the following primary components: an X-ray tube, an intraoral digital X-ray detector, an electric rotation stage, a computer, and lead shielding [5]. In vivo scans involve placing an object on a stationary platform with an Xray tube and digital X-ray detector rotating around the object. Ex vivo scans entail placing an object on a rotating platform with the X-ray tube and digital X-ray detector in fixed positions. Digital X-ray detectors are primarily used to quickly receive two-dimensional (2D) digital X-ray images created during the scanning process. These images are stored in a computer for processing after all the scanning images have been taken. A computer is used to control the overall motion of the micro-CT scanner and reconstruct the three-dimensional (3D) images (i.e., the final images), and lead shielding is used as protection preventing the X-rays from harming operators during the scanning process
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