The accuracy of quantifying the degree of hard tissue calcification using an electron probe micro analyzer, micro-focus X-ray computed tomography, and tissue sectioning methods

Objectives: Micro-focus X-ray computed tomography (& mu;CT) helps evaluate specimens without destroying it. However, its accuracy of quantifying bone mineral density remains to be fully elucidated. We aimed to verify the accuracy of calcification assessed by & mu;CT, by comparing the images of identical specimens obtained via different methods such as & mu;CT and electron probe micro analyzer (EPMA) analyses.Methods: The maxillae, mandibles, and tibiae of five-week-old male mice were analyzed. Calcification density was analyzed using & mu;CT. The right sides of the specimens were decalcified and processed for Azan staining. The left side of the specimens underwent elemental mapping for Ca, Mg, and P using EPMA.Results: & mu;CT revealed a significant increase in calcification levels in the following order: enamel, dentin, cortical bone, and trabecular bone. These results refiected the Ca and P levels observed in the EPMA analyses. & mu;CT demonstrated significant differences in the degree of calcification among the enamel tis-sues or dentin tissues, except for dentin in the maxillary incisors and molars. However, EPMA analysis did not demonstrate significant differences in the Ca and P levels among the same tissue samples.Conclusions: EPMA elemental analysis can be used to measure Ca and P levels for evaluating the calci-fication rate of hard tissues. Additionally, the study results validate the evaluation of calcification density via & mu;CT. Furthermore, & mu;CT can evaluate even minute differences in calcification rates compared with EPMA analysis.& COPY; 2023 Japanese Association for Oral Biology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study aimed to verify the accuracy of calcification assessed by micro-focus X-ray computed tomography (μCT) by comparing the images obtained via different methods such as μCT and electron probe micro analyzer (EPMA) analyses. The results showed that μCT can accurately evaluate calcification density and detect minute differences. Rating: 8/10.