Assessment of dental pulp response to carries via MR T 2 mapping and histological analysis

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The aim of our study was to assess the correlation between T 2 relaxation times and their variability with the histopathological results of the same teeth in relation to caries progression. Materials and methods: 52 extracted permanent premolars were included in the study. Prior to extractions, patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning and teeth were evaluated using ICDAS classification. Pulps of extracted teeth were histologically analysed. Results: MRI T 2 relaxation times (ms) were 111,9 ± 11.2 for ICDAS 0, 132.3 ± 18.5* for ICDAS 1, 124.6 ± 14.8 for ICDAS 2 and 112. 6 ± 18.2 for ICDAS 3 group (p = 0,013). A positive correlation was observed between MRI T 2 relaxation times and macrophage and T lymphocyte density in healthy teeth. There was a positive correlation between vascular density and T 2 relaxation times of dental pulp in teeth with ICDAS score 1. A negative correlation was found between T 2 relaxation times and macrophage density. There was a positive correlation between T 2 relaxation time variability and macrophage and T lymphocyte density in teeth with ICDAS score 2. In teeth with ICDAS score 3, a positive correlation between T 2 relaxation times and T 2 relaxation time variability and lymphocyte B density was found. Conclusion: The results of our study confirm the applicability of MRI in evaluation of the true condition of the pulp tissue. Clinical relevance: With the high correlation to histological validation, MRI method serves as a promising imaging implement in the field of general dentistry and endodontics.

Keywords

• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Dental pulp
• Dental caries
• Inflammation
• Histology