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Review

Ten Years of Micro-CT in Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Literature Overview

by
Ilaria Campioni
1,*,
Raffaella Pecci
2,* and
Rossella Bedini
2
1
Independent Researcher, 00161 Rome, Italy
2
National Centre of Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, 00161 Rome, Italy
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(12), 4328; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10124328
Submission received: 18 May 2020 / Revised: 11 June 2020 / Accepted: 22 June 2020 / Published: 24 June 2020
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Biodegradable Scaffold Constructs for Bone Tissue Repair)
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Abstract

:
Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a consolidated imaging technology allowing non-destructive three-dimensional (3D) qualitative and quantitative analysis by the observation of microstructures with high resolution. This paper aims at delivering a structured overview of literature about studies performed using micro-CT in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery (MFS) by analyzing the entire set of articles to portray the state of the art of the last ten years of scientific publications on the topic. It draws the scenario focusing on biomaterials, in vitro and in/ex vivo applications, bone structure analysis, and tissue engineering. It confirms the relevance of the micro-CT analysis for traditional research applications and mainly in dentistry with respect to MFS. Possible developments are discussed in relation to the use of the micro-CT combined with other, traditional, and not, techniques and technologies, as the elaboration of 3D models based on micro-CT images and emerging numerical methods. Micro-CT results contribute effectively with whose ones obtained from other techniques in an integrated multimethod approach and for multidisciplinary studies, opening new possibilities and potential opportunities for the next decades of developments.

1. Introduction

The first X-ray microtomography or micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) system was conceived in the early 1980’s, and in 1994, the first commercially available bone micro-CT scanner was presented [1,2].
Nowadays, micro-CT systems are present as lab instrumentations at main laboratories and companies to perform different types of investigations and for various applications, including educational purposes [3,4]. Micro-CT represents one of the main methods to perform non-destructive analysis and one of the most common microscopy methods [5] where the very fine scale internal structure of objects is imaged, providing high resolution volumetric data at a micron level. It allows for the investigation of microstructures, the accuracy detection of the geometries [6,7,8,9], eventually defects and difference in density and morphology. It does not require specimen preparation, staining and slicing; settings and parameters were extensively studied for specific structures [10].
It has great potential for biomedical and bioengineering applications [11]. The analyses carried out by micro-CT can be helpful also in terms of compliance to international standards, regulations, and in forensic practice [12,13]. Microtomographic analyses can affect the validation process of materials and the quality assessment of final devices. Recently, in the medical device sector, the growing interest in emerging manufacturing techniques as the additive ones, allowed to recognize micro-CT as one of the major tools for the product quality assessment and for the quality control of additive manufacturing (AM) products and materials [6,14,15,16].
Dentistry and maxillofacial surgery (MFS) represent two sectors that affect the biomedical engineering context and in which there was an extensive use of the micro-CT due to the necessity to acquire detailed information of small and complex objects, mineralized structures [17,18,19], and with different densities. The market is characterized by innovative materials and solutions that require advanced technology in routine-based activity of dental labs and clinics as the micro-CT scanning [20], whose capabilities turn out to be indispensable [21,22,23].
The authors have extensive knowledge and experience about micro-CT and its application in biomedical studies and in both fields addressed here [6,7,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31]. Specifically, in this work, the first author (I. Campioni) independently reviewed and organized the records identified from the database searches to assess the initial eligibility and both the authors (I. Campioni and R. Pecci) fully reviewed the search results. Disagreements were resolved by reaching a consensus or consulting the third and senior author (R. Bedini). In the early 2000’s, R. Bedini believed in such technology and had engaged many research funds in the purchase of equipment to perform three-dimensional (3D) microtomography and to undertake research collaborations to study the effectiveness of this 3D methodology compared to the traditional ones, such as histology and electron microscopy [7,8,15,24,25,26,27,28,30,31,32].
The aim of the present paper is to deliver a structured overview of the literature, highlighting the main applications of micro-CT in dentistry and MFS, and considering the set of articles published in English from 2010 to January 2020 in PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus (excluding Medline records from search results). A primary search was based on the following set of keywords: (i) ("micro-computed tomography" OR micro-CT) AND (dentistry OR "maxillofacial surgery”) for—Title, Abstracts, and Keywords. A secondary search was performed in MEDLINE on this set of keywords: (ii) (micro-computed tomography OR micro-CT) AND (dentistry OR maxillofacial) for All Fields and applying a filter limiting to the type of study “Review”. Furthermore, the work has the goal to address the studies involving lab-based applications of micro-CT for research and clinical purposes, thus it does not include the synchrotron-radiation-based X-ray micro-CT [2,33,34,35,36,37,38] and related applications of the latter with other technologies [39]. Considering time and resources, grey literature, as well as conference proceedings and abstracts related to the topic (e.g., [40,41,42,43,44]) were not investigated.
Therefore, the literature overview aims to answer to the following main questions:
  • Which have been the main dentistry and MFS applications of micro-CT during the last 10 years?
  • What are the main literature reviews in 10 years?
  • What will be the possible future scenario for the micro-CT development?
The graphical representation of Figure 1 summarizes the main aspects assessed, organized for topics, including future orientations, and discussed in the following sections.

2. Evidence and Effectiveness by Literature Reviews

In the last ten years, some literature reviews were published with the aim to assess, directly and indirectly, micro-CT traditional and not applications. Regarding dentistry and MFS fields, the main topics investigated were related to biomaterials, bone evaluation, specific aspects in dentistry, as the root canal preparation, the correlation with other techniques and, not excluding the less common applications of the technology as anthropological research.
In dentistry, it resulted that micro-CT allows biomaterials assessment, a precise analysis of materials used and the main parameters, as surface area, surface structure, internal structure, porosity, and the nature of the connection among them and the living tissue [21]. It represents a highly accurate method for the assessment of the polymerization shrinkage in composite restorations [45]. Furthermore, it is also cited in a systematic review, as a measurement method for ceramic crowns evaluation, providing sections of the marginal area and recognition of the critical distances [46].
Root canal filling materials, as endodontic treatments, have, as their objective, the appropriate sealing of the space caused by the root canal [47]. The analysis of the literature systematic reviews and overviews recorded by the database search evidenced an amount of studies focused on the application of micro-CT for the evaluation of the root canal and periapical lesions [48]. The morphology [49], the porosity of the endodontic materials [47], the assessment of different techniques of cavity preparation [21,50] or of a specific shaper [51], the shaping effects of instruments and instrumentation comparing the root canal morphology before and after the preparation [52] and the effectiveness of different instrumentation procedures in removing feeling materials [53], are the main aspects investigated.
It is considered as a methodology for the determination of mineral density [54,55], complex structures of the bone, trabecular bone microstructure [56], not excluding teeth and in general mineralized tissues.
The assessment of the density of minerals in enamel and dentin, the detection of demineralization in caries, the measurement of the depth of cavities in dentin, the evaluation of microleakage around fillings and fissure sealants [21], are some of the main applications. Compared with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, micro-CT is likely to have better diagnostic accuracy for carious lesions, tooth resorption, periodontal disease, and intra-operative imaging [57].
The traditional use of micro-CT for the bone evaluation in dentistry and bone tissue regeneration applications is the main topic discussed by literature reviews [32]. The possibility to obtain information about bone tissue microarchitecture and composition is in relation to the importance to perform accurate analysis starting from the sample preparation, the quantitative assessment to the final 3D reconstruction, with special attention to the settings of the appropriate parameters during the acquisition step [58]. The design and the characterization of scaffolds benefit from the advantages offered by microtomographic analysis for the morphometric structural investigation [59]. The evaluation of bone remodeling is a main topic not only in dentistry but also in the MFS sector. Reviews on new regenerative strategies [60] and rodent jawbone micro-architecture [61] evaluated by micro-CT, were performed, underlining the need for a standardized methodology [61].
Lastly, other applications discussed in MFS and dentistry reviews are related to anthropological and evolutionary research improving the assessing of dental tissues and elucidating the roles of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors on phenotypic variations in craniofacial features [57].

3. Micro-CT Studies: In Vitro and In/Ex Vivo Applications

The cost of in vivo animal studies and the loss of animal lives continue to motivate the development of in vitro screening assays [59]. Despite this, in vivo protocols in bone tissue engineering remain a common investigation to study specific issues and which use micro-CT as the main tool for the analysis. Both types of studies, in vivo and in vitro, are also carried out together considering various analyses and techniques [62]. Moreover, ex vivo studies are reported for the assessment of bone and specific treatments.

3.1. Dental Treatments and Mineral Tissues

Restorative treatments in dentistry to ensure the integrity of the teeth and of their supporting tissues benefit of micro-CT imaging.
In particular, benefits are reported for: the analysis of molars morphology and tooth structure [63]; the positional relationship of the crown contour and the pulp chamber of first molars [64]; and the efficacy of polishing and glass infiltration on the wear behavior of monolithic zirconia crowns [65].
Dental caries is characterized by demineralization and the degeneration of organic matrix [66]. Micro-CT analysis resulted helpful to evaluate the validation of temporary and innovative restoration solutions [67]. The mineralization of carious enamel for the identification of a regenerative treatment solution for dental caries [68], as well as the demineralization of tissues, as the enamel adjacent to restoration margins in cavities filled with experimental composites, from extracted bovine incisors [69], are some of the aspects that were investigated.
Furthermore, there were assessed:
  • the marginal integrity and quality of composite fillings [70].
  • the effects, in adhesive dentistry, of different drying methods for post space dentin bonding in a direct resin composite core build-up method [71].
  • the effectiveness of two resins [72].
The analysis of the accuracy of enamel and dentin thickness [73] as well as of teeth dimensions [74] benefits of micro-CT 3D measurements. It was applied to observe human molars characteristics before performing the micro tensile test [75]. A case study reports that the analysis of extracted teeth in children allowed the early correct diagnosis [76]. The capability of micro-CT to acquire morphometric information of structures resulted in being relevant for the detection of significant differences in mandibular volumes and dental morphology in relation to a specific syndrome [77]. Moreover, clinical consequences of genetic disorders that affect ossification, and consequently dental anomalies, resulted in being diagnosable by microtomographic assessment [78,79].
One of the main limitations of current dental practice is to preserve in time the effect of treatments. The treatment of root canal characterized by the loss of apical root material is a clinical issue, extensively investigated in the literature. The effects of treatments are commonly assessed by micro-CT to quantitatively evaluate the root surface resorption after the extraction of the teeth. It was used in a study aimed to design and realize a method for analyzing the geometrical characteristics of human root canals, calculated by a self-implemented image evaluation algorithm [80]. It was applied to evaluate morphology [81,82,83], microcrack formations [84,85], root fractures [86], the presence of voids in oval root canals filled with different root canal sealers [87]. It was considered to assess the efficacy of methods for removing root filling materials or for cleaning the canal [88,89], the influence of endodontic cavities on the preservation of the original root canal anatomy after shaping with nickel-titanium rotary instruments [90], and the correlation between geometric parameters of root filled teeth and the fracture resistance [91]. Multiple scansions were elaborated preoperatively, after preparation and obturation of the canal with gutta-percha, on extracted mandibular first molar teeth, to compare the quality of obturation in the apical third of the root [92]. Furthermore, photobiomodulation applications on root resorption are reported, considering a study on 30 patients [93].
The various applications of the current dental practice including the use of the micro-CT, let emerge the importance to define procedures for performing microtomographic analysis at least for specific treatments. The various methodologies applied as well as the reconstruction techniques also based on self-made algorithms and the timing to carry out the analyses, created a scenario in which it was difficult sometimes for scientists and, particularly for clinicians, to have clinical evidence comparable and referable. Specific procedures, in terms of guidelines and technical standards, could improve the efficacy and effectiveness in the application of the micro-CT and could allow clinicians in performing a more efficient analysis for a useful and routine implementation.
Finally, micro-CT had a relevant role in multidisciplinary approaches. It contributed to reveal the method used for the realization of the dental prosthesis, a golden dental appliance [94], and to characterize osseous lesions in the analysis of burials discovered during archeological excavations [95].

3.2. Biomaterials and Bone Tissue Regeneration

3D micro-CT scans were usually conducted to evaluate bone reformation, bone mineral density, remodeling, the scaffold morphology, and the biomaterial structure performing in vitro and in/ex vivo studies.
The use of animal models seems to be a required step in testing new bone regeneration materials [96]. The in vivo applicability of bioengineered 3D constructs [97] and bone graft substitutes is usually evaluated in animals models as rats, rabbits, mini pigs bone defects, and applications are recorded in dentistry [98,99,100,101,102] as in MFS [103,104,105]. Mainly, the biomaterials and bone grafts investigated for tissue engineering applications are:
  • Uncalcined and unsintered hydroxyapatite/poly-D/L-lactide with beta-tricalcium phosphate (b-TCP) [104] or with human mesenchymal stem cell [103].
  • Granular deproteinized bovine bone and b-TCP alone or with dental pulp stem cells [62].
  • Polycaprolactone-tricalcium phosphate (PCL-TCP) [102].
  • Nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen composite [106].
  • Nanofibrous bone graft coupled with osteoinductive proteins/peptides—poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)/collagen/gelatin [99].
  • Bioresorbable collagen membranes [96,107].
  • Silk fibroin scaffolds [108].
  • Injectable scaffold based on oxidized alginate microbeads encapsulating periodontal ligament stem cells and gingival mesenchymal stem cells [109].
The in vitro applicability of bone graft substitutes is usually evaluated on extracted teeth in dentistry as in the studies conducted on polylactic acid (PLA)-based mineral-doped scaffolds [110] and in MFS [105]. Turco et al. performed a comparison of the biological, chemical, and structural features of four different commercially available bone substitutes derived from an animal or a synthetic source, analyzing the biomaterials structures by micro-CT [111].
A common problem in clinical dentistry is the significant and rapid bone loss that occurs after tooth extraction, traumatic events, and surgery. The possibility to have a fast repair of bone defects is a challenge [112] and research has been conducted to investigate the various treatments. Micro-CT quantification of histomorphometric data was applied in animal studies to evaluate the effect of injected protein on alveolar bone [113], high-frequency acceleration, and the rate of bone formation after tooth extraction [114].
The osseointegration is another main aspect investigated performing a microtomographic analysis. Structural parameters of bone as, volume, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, trabecular separation, and total porosity, are the more significant parameters usually assessed and evaluable by micro-CT for the bone characterization, under various conditions, in studies conducted on patients [115]. In vitro experiments were carried out on coatings and correlated to micro-CT information about bone morphology to examine osseointegration [116]. Micro-CT allowed to demonstrate that a bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis, can invert the negative effect of osteoporosis on osseointegration, promote osseointegration itself and, the fixation of dental implants in autologous bone grafts under osteoporotic condition [117]. Furthermore, bone tissue response and osseointegration were investigated in experimental animal protocols, in relation to a bioactive silicate coating [118], lightweight implants [119], and poly-ε-caprolactone-coated and previtalized magnesium implants, manufactured by selective laser melting technology [120], alternative to traditional implants in MFS and new implants with modified surfaces, in comparison with commercially available dental implants [121]. Titanium implants were microtomographic observed and induced osteolysis was addressed [122], as well as newly formed bone in bioactive coated implants [118].
Finally, about bone tissue applications in MFS, micro-CT measurements of trabecular porosity allowed to provide quantitative evidence that laser-mediated cutting preserves the trabecular architecture and reduces thermal and mechanical damage at the margins of the cut [123].

4. Micro-CT Analysis Combined with Other Techniques or Technologies

In the last years, the microtomographic investigation has been often combined with other techniques and technologies, for example, it is applied as a preliminary step before destructive testing, to obtain data and models to be used for volumetric measurements in reverse engineering [65], computational and numerical applications. The analysis of the selected records allows detecting some studies, in which a multimethod approach was considered, incrementing the investigation power of micro-CT and its potential applications.
Figure 2 summarizes the techniques and technologies that emerged in studies about combined and integrated applications with micro-CT.
Firstly, it should be noted that micro-CT is not the only one tomography system applied in dentistry and MFS. As previously evidenced, some MFS devices and anatomical districts required to be acquired with systems allowing the scansion of objects with larger dimensions. Moreover, in clinical labs, some technologies are more common and routinely used.
The cone beam volume CT or CBCT is another kind of tomography system, X-ray based, commonly employed to assess the quality and quantity of bone. Despite that, micro-CT is combined with it due to the higher accuracy for small dimensions, for example, to obtain gold standard measurements of graft volumes in maxillary sinus augmentation procedure [124] or to determine how microarchitecture influences the morphology [125]. In recent years, the power of the available commercial systems is continuously growing in terms of range of dimensions and resolutions.
Table 1 reports, as an example, the datasheets of the laboratory micro-CT and CBCT systems considered in the previous cited study [124] and of recent frequently used micro-CT models [67,93,99], also for larger object sizes [95], allowing the comparison of the technical specifications.
Another volumetric imaging technology is the positron emission tomography (PET). It is a different technology, even if it is a tomography as well, which uses small amounts of radiotracers or radiopharmaceuticals to evaluate organ and tissue functions. It was applied with micro-CT to investigate bone regeneration induced by scaffolds [62].
The importance to establish standard protocols for marginal and internal fit assessment of fixed prosthesis was investigated considering the association of micro-CT with various other imaging techniques. The optical coherence tomography (OCT), the triple scan and cross-sectional method are some of the techniques combined with microtomographic data to measure the marginal and internal fit by superimposing the 3D scan data of the prosthesis and the abutment tooth [126]. Modified commercially available spectral domain OCT measurements were also compared with micro-CT for assessing the abrasion of the orthodontic surface sealants [127].
Traditional methods applied in tissue engineering studies are based on techniques such as histology, scanning electron, and fluorescence microscopy imaging [32]. Microscopy technologies required to be mentioned, as they are usually associated with micro-CT in various applications.
Microstructural investigations made by both optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are recorded in studies using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to analyze adhesive/root dentin interface [71] and SEM for the quality assessment of composite fillings [70], porosity and size of silk scaffold [108], alginate samples with stem cells [109], and bone substitutes characterization in MFS [111]. SEM analysis with micro-CT was performed to characterize barrier membrane for bone augmentation in dentistry [128] and to study alloy composition of the metallic fixing lamina and microstructure of the deposits on the dental surface [94]. Comparison between backscattering SEM (bSEM) and microtomographic images, showed high correlations for bone volume per total volume (BV/TV) measurements in areas not affected by metal-induced artefacts [129].
Raman spectroscopic imaging, a laser-based microscopic device, was applied with micro-CT to examine bone samples and Charwat-Pessler et al. [98] reported that the two different imaging techniques provide complementary and mutually supportive information.
Finally, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy was used to image the complex morphologic features of dental sections without denaturing samples. Lin P. et al. [66] reported that the carious dental tissue exhibits a greatly reduced autofluorescence lifetime, which is consistent with the degree of demineralization, determined by micro-CT.
Histomorphological analysis were carried out for in vivo studies about the effects of bioactive coatings [118], bone graft substitutes [104,105], as well as confocal analysis, to examine the presence of live and dead cells after seeding on the experimental scaffolds at various days of culture [110]. Histology, as a traditional destructive analysis, was also reported combined with micro-CT for various applications, to assess: root fractures [86]; alveolar bone loss [114]; bone morphological changes [115]; new bone formation [96,102]; osseointegration in osteoporosis [117]; inflammatory response and vascularization using modified silk fibroin scaffolds [108]; bone tissue response of new zirconia implants with modified surfaces [121]; titanium [119]; and magnesium [120] implants for MFS and, maxillofacial trabecular bone microarchitecture and damage [123]. Moreover, immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis was performed with histology [109] and with immunofluorescent (IF), in studies related to tissue engineering applications [97].
One of the main potentials of micro-CT in recent years is associated to the emerging use of new manufacturing technologies for medical applications and, to the necessity of having high-resolution models as starting point for further analyses. Beyond that, the growing demand for personalized solutions in medicine implies for clinicians operating in dentistry and MFS, the possibility to elaborate specific devices and prototypes, and to directly experiment with new solutions.
Traditional manufacturing methodologies, as computer aided design (CAD), that had started to be used in association with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), are nowadays more associated with new techniques as 3D printing and AM.
In this scenario, micro-CT analysis is defining a new role, also considering that conventional intra-oral scanner could be limited in terms of accuracy [9] for the acquisition of specific geometries and sizes. CAD/CAM, 3D printing, and AM benefit from microtomographic analysis to develop and validate solutions in dentistry, and MFS [120]. Rimawi et al. presented an integrated approach applying intra-oral scanner, CBCT, micro-CT, 3D printing, and stereomicroscopy for temporary restoration of auto-transplanted teeth [67].
Micro-CT represents also a methodology for automatic segmentations [130,131] and elaborations of accurate 3D models [132], even if some limitations in spatial resolutions and missing information have to be considered [133,134]. The possibility to create 3D micro-CT models based on reconstructed images has relevance in implementing numerical studies aimed to determine the more realistic operative conditions. CAD models can be easily elaborated, and after imported for post evaluations by other techniques. It allows obtaining information of the structure of the materials usable as input in computational studies, such as finite element analysis (FEA), simulating realistic different conditions.
FEA, a well-known computational numerical method was applied in dentistry and supported by microtomographic analysis to assess new models [135] or based on micro-CT reconstructed models and 3D images [131,136]. The main objectives detected of the numerical simulations implemented in literature are related to the evaluation of mechanical properties, the prediction of forces necessary to drill the cortical and trabecular bone [137], the biomechanical properties of the periodontal ligament [138], and the stress distribution in premolar under various occlusal loadings scenarios [139] or in root dentin [140].
Numerical analyses can be associated with the traditional destructive techniques for the mechanical characterization of structures and for the validation of the simulated data. Experimental mechanical testing techniques, performed respecting international standards or experimental protocols, continue to contribute and to corroborate with microtomographic, histomorphometric, and numerical data [91,116]. Finally, even if the information was collected in a record that is a review study not focused on micro-CT and, as it was not discussed previously [141], it is covered in this section for underlining the role of micro-CT in relation to the numerical method fractal analysis (FA). The FA is a mathematical method by which irregular, complex, and similar forms on various scales can be evaluated. The fractal dimension (FD) is the quantitative outcome [141]. In dentistry, the FA was employed in several studies. Kato et al., in their recent work about the use of FA in dental images, showed that FD was used on micro-CT images of porous titanium granules, bone graft materials, to assess the bone mineral density and, it was observed positive and negative correlations of FD values and other parameters such as histomorphometric analysis and radiographic bone density. Furthermore, they evidenced that few studies using this exam were carried out despite the high quality of micro-CT images and the importance of this aspect for a high-quality FA. The main causes are correlated to the high cost and the necessity of a bone sample that seems to preclude the use of micro-CT with FA. The power of the previously identified new role of the micro-CT in reference to the other technologies is particularly evident, not only in supporting clinical practice for acquiring the best evidence but also, for the regulatory purposes that are essential for medical applications. As already recognized for AM in a recent guideline [16], the micro-CT could represent a useful tool for the quality control of products and workflow. This last aspect has relevance for companies, but particularly for clinicians that often become themselves manufacturers in routine use of manufacturing techniques for custom applications in lab environments. The variability of the processes often requires keeping more parameters under control. In this framework, as suggested in the paragraph 3.1 for the more general topic, the elaboration of specific standards could represent the challenge and it could include all the steps from the segmentation, elaboration of 3D models, and adaptation for the numerical analysis to the checking of the final manufactured medical device, pre-surgery models or prototypes, and their traceability.

5. Conclusions

Micro-CT is an established technique that has demonstrated various advantages for many applications. In the last ten years, the improvement in image analysis allowed to highlight some opportunities offered by microtomographic technology, which until a decade ago, were considered only as potential benefits.
This overview aimed to collect and discuss the main topics investigated in studies carried out using laboratory micro-CT in dentistry and MFS, published in the last ten years and its potential in developing new studies, answering the main proposed research questions.
The discussed studies were rigorously collected by searching the main literature databases. After a full-text review, 105 articles were investigated from an initial total amount of 160 records obtained from the databases search. The graphic of Figure 3 allows visualizing the distribution in percentage of the total number of articles in relation to the topics and types of studies discussed in this work.
Starting from the literature evidence acquired by the reviews recorded (19% of total records), the greater amount of studies, about 70%, are focused on dentistry applications. MFS studies are limited, about 13% and some are associated with the analysis of treatments also applicable in dentistry (about 3%). Micro-CT enables the scanning of objects with small dimensions and this aspect may have limited the adoption of the methodology, which is not suitable for some maxillofacial anatomical districts with respect to other tomography systems. From the point of view of the study typology, the percentages are similar for in vitro and in/ex vivo studies. It should be noted that some studies, about 12%, use both approaches for defining a complete assessment.
The main detected records confirmed that an established range of micro-CT applications are related to studies performed to investigate new biomaterials and their effects on osseointegration, bone structure, bone grafts, and tissue response in dentistry. Furthermore, mineral tissues analyses, as well as evidence of specific treatments in orthodontia, represent the micro-CT core business. Most of the applications are effectuated in research settings and for scientific purposes.
Some limitations observed and that limited the spreading in clinical settings, were related to the operating costs and data processing time. Safety, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency still relieved to be some of the required challenges. Despite that, health care systems and private clinicians could benefit from it for various applications, traditional and emerging, as the assessment of patient-matched devices realized in point of care and based on 3D reconstructed models, eventually also for regulatory purposes.
This overview dedicated a section to the challenges of microtomographic evaluations combined with other technologies and techniques, highlighting the growing possibilities and the potential extension of the field of applications. Almost 49% of the discussed studies were carried out considering a multimethod approach using micro-CT with other techniques (Figure 3). Traditional methodologies as microscopy, histology, and mechanical characterization are confirmed conventionally associated with micro-CT. Numerical-based methods are the main emerging ones with a high potential growing and impact. The integrated approach is interesting and promising for the future developments.
The adoption of micro-CT in the daily clinical routine continues to represent the true goal. The definition of procedures or guidelines could allow a better comparison of the results for its use also integrated with other technologies and in relation to specific treatments. This last aspect associated with the developments of specific standards, and new quality control requirements for medical devices, could change the actual role of microtomographic analysis for a new prominent decade.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization and methodology, I.C. and R.P.; data curation, formal analysis, I.C.; investigation, I.C., R.P. and R.B.; visualization, I.C.; writing—original draft preparation, I.C.; writing—review and editing, I.C., R.P. and R.B. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Conflicts of Interest

There are no potential conflicts of interest or, any financial, or, personal relationships with other people or organizations that could inappropriately bias conduct and findings of the study.

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Applsci 10 04328 g001 550
Figure 1. Main aspects discussed in the following paragraphs and organized for topics.
Figure 1. Main aspects discussed in the following paragraphs and organized for topics.
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Figure 2. Main techniques and technologies applied with the micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) in the collected studies.
Figure 2. Main techniques and technologies applied with the micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) in the collected studies.
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Figure 3. Distribution of the studies discussed in the text according to the topics indicated as the categories (1–8) on the horizontal axis; the number of records discussed in the text is indicated as an absolute value on the vertical axis and as a percentage value of the total studies considered in the graphical representation.
Figure 3. Distribution of the studies discussed in the text according to the topics indicated as the categories (1–8) on the horizontal axis; the number of records discussed in the text is indicated as an absolute value on the vertical axis and as a percentage value of the total studies considered in the graphical representation.
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Table
Table 1. Technical specifications of some commercial laboratory micro-CT and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) systems.
Table 1. Technical specifications of some commercial laboratory micro-CT and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) systems.
SpecificationsMicro-CT Model: µ40 *CBCT Model: Accuitomo 170 **Micro-CT Model: SkyScan 1172 ***Micro-CT Model:
Phoenix Nanotom M ****
X-ray Source30–70 kV60–90 kV, 8 mA20–100 kV, 10 W180 kV, 20 W
X-ray Detector/Focal Spot Size2048 × 256 elements,
24 µm pitch		Spot Size 0.5 mm11 MP, 12-Bit Cooled CCD Fiber-Optically Coupled to ScintillatorGE DXR, 14 Bit, 3072 × 2400 Pixels
Max. Object Size/Field of View36.9 × 80 mm
(Ø x L)		Min. Ø 40 × 40 mmMax. Ø 170 × 120 mmØ 27 mm Single Scan
Ø 50 mm Offset Scan		240 mm Ø × 250 mm in Height
Detail Detectability3–72 µm80–250 µm voxel size0.5 µm at Highest MagnificationDown to 0.2 µm
“* (Scanco Medical AG, Zurich, Switzerland)”, “** (J Morita, Kyoto, Japan)”, “*** (Bruker microCT, Kontich, Belgium)”; “**** (GE Sensing & Inspection technologies Gmbh, Wunstorf, Germany)”.

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Campioni, I.; Pecci, R.; Bedini, R. Ten Years of Micro-CT in Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Literature Overview. Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 4328. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10124328

AMA Style

Campioni I, Pecci R, Bedini R. Ten Years of Micro-CT in Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Literature Overview. Applied Sciences. 2020; 10(12):4328. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10124328

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Campioni, Ilaria, Raffaella Pecci, and Rossella Bedini. 2020. "Ten Years of Micro-CT in Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Literature Overview" Applied Sciences 10, no. 12: 4328. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10124328

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