The study of root canal morphology using a digital image processing technique

The accuracy of a computerized digital image processingtechnique for studying root canal morphology was evaluated. Sixteen single-rooted human mandibular premolars were used in the study. One tooth was used to verify that a debridement technique for completely removing soft tissue from a root canal system was effective. After soft tissue removal, the remaining teeth were filled with a radiopaque contrast medium. Radiographs of each tooth were taken at several angles using conventional radiography and xeroradiography. The radiographs were analyzed using a computerized digital image processing program. The volumetric and diametral data, collected by the computer program, were compared with physical data obtained in the laboratory (controls). No differences were found between the control volumetric data and the computed data using conventional radiography. Significant differences were found between the control volumetric data and the xerodiographically computed data. The computed diametral measurements using conventional radiography and xeroradiography were within 0.1 mm of the control measurements 97% and 95% of the time, respectively. This technique may be useful in studying the effect of various methods of instrumentation on the shape of the root canal.