Contrast?enhanced nano?CT reveals soft dental tissues and cellular layers

Aim To introduce a methodology designed to simultaneously visualize dental ultrastructures, including cellular and soft tissue components, by utilizing phosphotungstic acid (PTA) as contrast-enhancement agent. Methodology Sound third molars were collected from healthy human adults fixed in 4% buffered paraformaldehyde. evaluate the impact of PTA concentrations 0.3%, 0.7% 1% on hard tissues for CT imaging, cementum dentine-pulp sections cut, dehydrated stained with immersion periods 12, 24 h, 2 days or 5 days. The samples scanned high-resolution nano-CT device using pixel sizes down 0.5 µm examine both pulpal regions. Results Dental periodontium well odontoblasts predentine made visible through staining three-dimensional scans. Different segments tooth required different protocols. thickness could be computed over length once it was PTA-enhanced contrast, attached components interior shown interface greater detail. Three-dimensional illustrations allowed histology-like visualization all orientations single scan easy sample preparation. segmentation sigmoidal dentinal tubules surrounding dentine investigation quantitative composition, such tubular lumen ratio area surface. Conclusion protocol possible along layers teeth laboratory-based technique. depended type size. This offers enhanced possibilities concomitant tissues.