Three-dimensional observation of pulp cavities in the maxillary first premolar tooth using micro-CT

Aim To observe three-dimensional morphological changes with age in the pulp cavities of maxillary first premolar teeth. Methodology The specimens used in this study were 10 maxillary first premolar teeth (five males and five females) obtained from patients in three age groups, namely in their twenties (20s), forties (40s) and sixties (60s). Each specimen was imaged by a micro-CT to reconstruct the three-dimensional structure. Then, using the reconstructed images, the morphological characteristics of the pulp cavity, the volume ratio at the horn region, the floor region and the overall region of the pulp chamber and the diameters of the buccal and lingual orifices of the root canals were compared between the three age groups. Results The mesio-distal widths and the heights of the pulp cavity decreased with age. The volume ratio and the diameter of the root canal orifices also decreased. The decrease in volume was not constant but showed a large decrease between the 20s and the 40s, compared to those of 40s to 60s. Conclusions Morphological features of the pulp cavity of maxillary first premolar teeth in different age groups were observed three dimensionally using micro-CT. Decreases in pulp cavity size and shape with age were clarified using a three-dimensional technique.