Three-dimensional imaging of internal tooth structures: Applications in dental education

Abstract

BackgroundProviding comprehensive knowledge of the anatomy of human teeth is one of the basic functions of dental education, because a thorough understanding of their internal structure is one of the prerequisites for any successful clinical intervention. Several techniques have traditionally been employed to study and visualize the complex internal organization of human teeth. In contrast to these invasive techniques, modern imaging systems permit non-invasive analyses of the three-dimensional structure of human teeth. Owing to the relative ease of acquisition, handling, and distribution of the respective data, digital imaging techniques will also significantly influence dental education. HighlightIn this article, a broad overview of traditional and modern techniques for the visualization of internal tooth structures is provided. Emphasis is placed on micro-computed tomography systems and their application in endodontics. In addition, 3 the results derived from a comparison of histology and micro-computed tomography are presented. Apart from its utility in basic research, digital data can also be employed to create interactive three-dimensional models that are particularly suitable for teaching purposes. ConclusionNon-invasive, three-dimensional imaging techniques, in particular the various modalities of computed tomography, have ushered in a new era of endodontic studies.Owing to their digital nature, the results derived from these techniques can not only be easily analyzed and distributed but also be rapidly integrated into the teaching materials. Recent studies as well as the data shown in the present contribution suggest that digital educational materials lead to an improved understanding of the complex anatomy of human teeth.

Ancient dental pulp: Masterpiece tissue for paleomicrobiology

“…Advanced imaging technologies including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) scan, spiral CT, cone‐beam CT, micro‐CT and Synchrotron Radiation‐based micro‐Computed Tomography (SRµCT) have been widely employed to yield the detailed image of the complex dental structure. Furthermore, these techniques allowed for an easier and more accurate analysis (Kato, Ziegler, Utsumi, Ohno, & Takeichi, 2016). The accumulation of X‐ray irradiation influences the degradation of aDNA, indeed, the quality of aDNA from bone samples is unaffected with doses below 200 Gy, negligible between 200 Gy and 2.000 Gy, but the quality of the DNA is deteriorating with doses above 2.000 Gy (Immel et al, 2016).…”

<p class="HeadingRunIn"><strong>Combined visualization of echinoderm hard and soft parts using contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography</strong></p>

“…Furthermore, studies based on digital morphology may result in data suitable for pattern recognition and shape analysis protocols (Ziegler et al 2012a, Ziegler & Menze 2013, finite element analysis (Herzog et al 2017), or a more interactive communication of complex biological structures (Ziegler et al 2011b). With regard to the letter aspect, digital morphological and anatomical data were shown to enhance academic teaching, for example through 3D interactive virtual as well as additively manufactured physical 3D models (Ziegler & Menze 2013, Kato et al 2016.…”

Immersive 3D Educational Contents: A Technical Note for Dental Educators

“…However, in the medical field, imaging devices are already well developed, such as in dentistry for many clinical applications [1,2]. These devices could also open up many applications through the use of digitized 3D files [3][4][5][6][7]. They were reported to improve the capacity of medical and dental students of learning disciplines such as anatomy [4,7,8].…”

“…These devices could also open up many applications through the use of digitized 3D files [3][4][5][6][7]. They were reported to improve the capacity of medical and dental students of learning disciplines such as anatomy [4,7,8]. Moreover, the development of educational platforms and hybrid teaching is especially useful in these times of COVID-19, as they increase the educational possibilities, that include learning of spatial ability, interactivity, critical thinking and decision-making [8,9].…”