Measurement of mandibles with microfocus x-ray computerized tomography and compact computerized tomography for dental use

PURPOSE: The trabecular bone patterns in jaws and tooth structure were analyzed using microfocus x-ray computerized tomography (micro-CT), and the usefulness of this method was reported. This study was performed to clarify the accuracy of micro-CT and to determine whether micro-CT could replace bone slice segments as a means for assessment of the accuracy of medical radiography units. In addition, the accuracy of compact CT for dental use (compact CT) was evaluated using the same method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three dried hemimandibles were used in this study. Images of mandibular interdental alveolar bone in the premolar and molar regions were obtained using micro-CT and compact CT. Measurement of the mandibular shape at 6 sites using micro-CT images and at 4 sites using compact CT images was performed, and then the values of the micro-CT and compact CT were compared with those of bone slice segments. RESULTS: The accuracy of mandibular measurement and the ratios of agreement for micro-CT were significantly higher than those for compact CT. Moreover, the coefficient of correlation of the rate of trabecular bone between compact CT images and bone slice segment images was 0.916. DISCUSSION: The significant difference in mandibular measurement between micro-CT and compact CT was considered to be related to pixel size. CONCLUSION: Micro-CT can replace bone slice segments for assessment of the accuracy of medical radiography units. In addition, compact CT can be used for imaging diagnosis in dental implant treatment. It is suggested that the ratio of trabecular bone could be used to evaluate the bone density.