Quantitative Assessment of Enamel and Dentin Volumes in Primary Teeth Using Micro-Computed Tomography

Background: Primary teeth's unique morphology, characterized by thinner enamel and dentin, contributes to rapid caries progression and challenges in pediatric dentistry. Purpose: This study quantifies the volumetric and morphological characteristics of primary teeth using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) to enhance clinical understanding and treatment planning. Materials and methods: Exfoliated primary teeth (24 anterior, 24 posterior) from children aged 6–12 years were scanned using a SkyScan 1272 micro-CT (100 kV, 100 µA, 9 μm pixel size). The samples were free of caries, restorations, or defects. Three-dimensional reconstructions measured enamel and dentin volumes. Descriptive statistics and independent t-tests compared volumes in enamel and dentin between anterior and posterior primary teeth. Results: Morphometric measurements quantified enamel and dentin volumes, revealing significantly larger enamel (94.42 ± 28.77 mm³ vs. 29.85 ± 12.27 mm³, p<0.001) and dentin (147.11 ± 37.79 mm³ vs. 90.95 ± 29.95 mm³, p<0.001) volumes in posterior teeth compared to anterior teeth. The enamel-to-dentin ratio also differed significantly, reflecting molars' larger size and functional demands. Conclusion: Micro-CT analysis identified notable morphological variations in primary teeth, specifically indicating thicker dentin with larger volumes in molars. These findings provide essential guidance for minimally invasive cavity preparation, addressing key challenges in pediatric dentistry. While the small sample size constrains the generalizability of the results, further studies with larger and more diverse populations are necessary to comprehensively evaluate caries susceptibility and restorative outcomes.