Observations of mineralised tissues of teeth in X-ray micro-computed tomography

BACKGROUND

The one of the most recent imaging technology is X-ray microtomography which allows non-invasive three-dimensional visualisation of structures. It also offers the opportunity to conduct a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the tested objects such as measuring the shares of the various phases, determining the material density and distribution of the size of pores and particles. The aim of the paper was to present an overview on the applicability and relevance of X-ray microtomography in the study of mineralised tissues of the teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The article is based on the most recent and significant literature and own observations.

RESULTS

The use of X-ray microtomography in dentistry has recently increased and includes, inter alia, the assessment of the density of minerals in enamel and dentin, the detection of demineralisation in an artificially and a naturally induced caries, the automatic measurement of the depth of cavities in dentin, the measurement of the amount of removed dentin in preparation of carious lesions by various methods, the assessment of microleakage around fillings and fissure sealants, cortical bone density measurement, evaluation of root canal morphology, comparison of the accuracy of root canal working and filling by various methods.

CONCLUSIONS

X-ray microtomography offers within the analysis of mineralised tissues - complex structures of bone, teeth and biomedical materials, turn out to be indispensable since it opens new opportunities for cognitive and implementation research.

The impact of type 1 diabetes on the development of the craniofacial mineralised tissues (bones and teeth): literature review

BACKGROUND

There are many reports on the impact of diabetes on periodontium as well as the state of organs in diabetics; however, there is little research on the impact of the disease on morphological and anatomical changes in the mineralised tissues like teeth and craniofacial bones. The aim of this study was to present a review of literature on morphological and anatomical changes of mineralised tissues in the course of type 1 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of PubMed database was made using the keywords: morphological changes, anatomical changes, enamel hypoplasia, type 1 diabetes, induced diabetes and the names of individual anatomical and morphological structures of the teeth.

RESULTS

The analysis of experimental studies have shown that in induced type 1 diabetes in rats there is a substantial reduction in the thickness of the enamel and dentin, compared with the control group. The changes in the content of indivi-dual minerals in the tissues of the tooth have been shown - a decrease in the concentration of calcium and fluoride ions and an increase in the concentration of magnesium. In a study conducted on embryos of rats born of diabetic dams, defects were observed in enamel organ, which can cause delayed enamel hypo-plasia. Literature analysis revealed morphological disorders also in some clinical cases of patients with type 1 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Type 1 diabetes mellitus as a metabolic disorder may affect changes in the structure of mineralised tissues, thereby increasing their susceptibility to caries development and orthognathic disorders.