Quantitative characterization and micro-CT mineral mapping of natural fissural enamel lesions

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterize the mineral distribution pattern of natural fissural enamel lesions and to quantify structural parameters and mineral density of these lesions in comparison to proximal white spot enamel lesions.

Methods: Imaging was undertaken using a high-resolution desktop micro-computed tomography system. A calibration equation was used to transform the grey level values of images into true mineral density values. The value of lesion parameters including the mineral density and the thickness of the surface layer of the enamel lesion were extracted from mineral density profiles.

Results: The thickness of the surface layer showed variation among different lesions and it ranged from 0-90 μm in proximal lesions and 0-137 μm in fissural lesions. The average thickness of surface layer in fissural lesions was significantly higher than smooth surface proximal lesions. Sound fissural enamel showed lower mineral density compared to proximal enamel.

Conclusion: Micro-CT and the suggested de-noising and visualization method provide an efficient high-resolution approach for non-destructive evaluation of fissural lesions. Using these methods, the current study revealed the exclusive pattern and structure of fissural enamel lesions which may provide a basis for future studies on prevention and remineralization of these lesions.

Clinical significance: The common demineralization pattern of fissural lesions, which indicates the extension of the lesion in two directions towards the pulp horns, may explain the early inflammation and symptoms of the pulp in fissural lesions even when the lesion base appears far from the pulp roof in normal radiographs. In addition, the presence of the surface layer, indicates that vigorous probing of the occlusal fissures may lead to breakage and cavitation of the enamel lesions.

Keywords: Dental caries; Enamel; Fissural lesions; Micro-CT; Mineral mapping; Occlusal fissure.