Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material is a polycyclic, aromatic, thermoplastic polymer that is semi-crystalline and has a linear structure. PEEK has good mechanical and electrical properties such as resistance to high temperature and resistance to hydrolysis. In addition, because of the property of high biocompatibility, use of PEEK has increased in orthopaedic and trauma cases. The most characteristic property of PEEK material is that it has a low elasticity modulus, close to that of bone. It has been suggested that stress-based problems could be reduced with this material due to the low elasticity modulus. In the light of this information, PEEK material could be considered as an alternative to conventional materials in the field of dentistry.

Together with developments in digital imaging systems, there has been increasing use of micro-computed tomography (μCT) in many areas, primarily in dentistry. As this method allows 3-dimensional images to be taken providing safe and high quality results, without damaging the samples being examined, it is often preferred. Consequently, it has become possible to record rapid progression in endodontic studies in particular and to research and easily compare several techniques. Furthermore, this method can be used in tissue engineering, forming data for FEM analysis, the growth and development of craniofacial bones, imaging bone structure, and in the evaluation of implants and surrounding bone in root tip surgery, to determine mineral concentration in the teeth and to measure the thickness of enamel. The aim of this review was to focus on the areas of use of μCT in dentistry and state the advantages. Key Words: Micro-computed tomography, X-ray micro-CT, dental application, three-dimensional imaging   How to cite this article: Erpaçal B, Adıgüzel Ö, Cangül S. The use of micro-computed tomography in dental applications. Int Dent Res 2019;9(2):78-91.   Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.

In the field of restorative dentistry, the use of composites has become widespread with increasing aesthetic demand. Nowadays the composites are divided into various classes depending on the type and size of the filler particles. Apart from this, many new composites have been produced in order to protect the healthy tooth structure, to reduce microleakage and secondary caries formation, to reduce marginal pigmentation and postoperative sensitivity together with developments in technology. The aim of this review is to improve the clinical performance and to evaluate new composite resins that will provide more selection criteria for dentists.

Aim: Metal-supported ceramics as crown material and glass fibre posts as dental post materials are in frequent current use. In recent years, it has been claimed that stress-based biomechanical problems in dentistry can be resolved with the benefit of the low elasticity modulus of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material. The aim of this study was to use finite element analysis (FEA) to compare the stresses formed by forces applied after the use of PEEK material as dental post and crown material as an alternative to glassfibre posts and metal-supported ceramic crowns. Material and Method: The stress analysis metthod used in this study was FEA. First, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) images were obtained of a maxillary central incisor tooth and the data of the post materials scanned with a 3-dimensional (3D) laser scanner were uploaded to a computer program. 3D models were obtained with designs made in the computer program of all the materials. The modelling of a maxillary central tooth was completed using 2 different post materials (glassfibre and PEEK) and 2 different crown materials (metal ceramic and PEEK) and 4 groups were formed for analysis. By applying force of 100N at 135˚ from the absolute central point of the palatinal surface of the tooth, the stress values and distribution occurring in the 3D peiodontal models were compared.   Results: The use of PEEK post reduced the stresses occurring on the periodontal ligament (PDL) and the cortical bone, and caused no significant change in the stresses on the crown. The use of PEEK crown reduced the stresses occurring on the crown and increased the stresses occurring on the PDL and cortical bone. Conclusion: With further in vitro and clinical studies of PEEK material, it can be considered that within a short time PEEK post and PEEK crown could be in routine use in dentistry.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to measure the distance between the maxillary premolar and molar teeth apices to the buccal cortical bone and evaluate differences in gender and age group, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).Material/MethodsThis retrospective study comprised of 451 premolar and molar teeth of one hundred and thirteen patients who were admitted to Dicle University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology for different reasons. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-tests and Tukey HSD tests.ResultsThere was significant difference in buccal bone thickness by gender (p<0.05). The thinnest point of the maxillary buccal bone was measured in women as 2.11 mm and in men as 2.02 mm in the first premolar teeth. The thickest point of maxillary buccal bone was measured in women as 9.87 mm and in men 10.71 mm palatinal root of the first molar. A comparison of buccal bone thickness between age showed a statistically significant difference at the distobuccal and palatinal roots of the first molar, at the mesiobuccal root of the second molar (p<0.05).ConclusionsThe measurements of maxillar buccal bone thickness using CBCT for various dental procedures especially in endodontic surgery, orthodontic mini implant treatment, dental implant procedures, and healing after tooth extraction that are important knowledge.