Can the Density of Mineralized Dental Tissues (Dentin and Enamel) Be Measured and Compared with 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Cases of Ectodermal Dysplasia?

Abstract

Background Since 3-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) started to be used in dentistry, mineral density can now be examined with computer software from the data on the images obtained. Detailed and clear images at different slice intervals can be obtained with CBCT, and mineral density can be measured from the image data on a computer with a Hounsfield unit (HU) scale. In addition to the broad opportunities presented by CBCT, this feature has presented a wider perspective to researchers. Material/Methods In this study, the CBCT images obtained from patients with the genetic disorder of ectodermal dysplasia were compared with the images of a control group to determine differences in mineralization of the teeth and to show that these could be compared by measuring the mineral density of dentin and enamel tissues using the HU scale on data from CBCT images. This opens new opportunities for cognitive and implementation research. Results In the study, CBCT images of 14 ectodermal dysplasia and 14 control group cases previously obtained for various reasons were used. Mineral density measurements were made from 4 different regions of the teeth of the ectodermal dysplasia and control groups (incisor edge of the crown, the center buccal, cervicale line, and apex of the teeth), and the groups were compared. Conclusions The aim of this study was to provide a new overview of the feasibility and suitability of mineralization measurement of dentin and enamel dental tissues with CBCT in ectodermal dysplasia and control groups.

Dental Tissue Density in Healthy Children Based on Radiological Data: Retrospective Analysis

“…Previous studies of extracted teeth using microcomputed tomography showed uneven distribution of enamel and dentin densities in different areas of the tooth [ 14 ]. Yavuz et al [ 15 ] confirmed this pattern in a mixed-age population using CBCT in their study. However, the densities of enamel and dentin in their study were lower than the average values obtained during our study.…”

“…Information about the range of Hounsfield values for healthy teeth tissues could become an additional tool in assessing dental health, age estimation [ 12 ], and anatomy [ 13 ] and could be used, among other data, for subsequent machine learning [ 14 ]. The results of earlier studies do not provide convincing data on the range of Hounsfield values for healthy dental tissues in children of a certain age group [ 15 16 ]. Our study is aimed at establishing the Hounsfield values of dental tissue density in children in the same age group.…”

Analysis of Dental Tissues Density in Healthy Children Based on Radiological Data

“…[10] Previous studies of extracted teeth using micro-computed tomography showed an uneven distribution of enamel and dentin density in different areas of the tooth. [13] Yavuz [14] confirmed this pattern in a mixed age population using CBCT in their study. However, the values of enamel and dentine density in their study were lower than the average values obtained during our study.…”

“…[13] The results of earlier studies do not provide convincing data on the range of HU for healthy dental tissues in children of a certain age group. [14,15] Our study is aimed at establishing Hounsfield values for dental tissues in children of a certain age group.…”

Rare Pediatric Genetic Case Report of X-linked Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia Type 1

“…Some types of ectodermal dysplasia are suitable for genetic testing, which can confirm the diagnosis and help with genetic counseling [ 5 ]. Others have attempted to use cone-beam computed tomography to assess the viability and usefulness of measuring the mineralization of dental tissues in the ectodermal dysplasia and control groups [ 13 , 14 ].…”