Micro-Computed Tomography
Alveolar bone, due to its non-uniformity and porous structure, as well as its close proximity to Phoenix dental structures of the oral cavity, is difficult to quantify volumetrically.  In the past, only two-dimensional techniques such as histology and radiography were available to Phoenix orthodontists.  While acceptable for linear measurements, inconsistencies of as much as 25% have been shown for volumetric measurements when compared to three-dimensional computed tomography scans (Rosenstein et al., 1997).  Micro-CT, a non-destructive scanning technique that can be used to three-dimensionally image specimens on the micron level and allows for computer-aided reorientation, is a significant step forward in alveolar bone quantification producing highly accurate and reproducible measurements (Park et al., 2006).

Using micro-CT, Phoenix orthodontists were able to evaluate the quantity of alveolar bone in the furcation area of the first molar.  Once again, the high OPG group was significantly better than the other groups.  Not only did the animals in the high OPG group show greater bone volume fraction than the control and low OPG groups, but they were actually higher than the baseline sacrificed animals that never had any appliances or Phoenix orthodontic tooth movement.  It also should be noted that the low OPG group has significantly less bone than control animals.  The decrease in BVF in the low OPG group appears to be the result of two animals in that group developing significant periodontal disease as a result of the steel ligature used for attaching the spring impinging on the gingiva.

Arizona Dental Association