Advanced Imaging Techniques in Dental Microstructure Analysis: A Meta-Analysis of Three-Dimensional Electron Microscopy Applications

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Advanced imaging techniques, particularly three-dimensional electron microscopy (3D-EM), have significantly enhanced our understanding of dental tissue microstructures. This meta-analysis synthesizes findings from recent studies to evaluate the effectiveness of 3D-EM in visualizing dental tissues, including enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp.
METHODOLOGY: A systematic search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Keywords included combinations of terms such as “three-dimensional electron microscopy,” “3D-EM,” “dental microstructure,” “enamel imaging,” “dentin tubules,” and “pulp tissue analysis.” Reference lists of relevant studies were also screened to identify additional sources. For qualitative analysis, thematic synthesis was used to identify recurring themes regarding the structural insights gained through 3D-EM and its relative advantages over conventional imaging methods.
RESULTS: Results demonstrate that 3D-EM offers unparalleled resolution and depth, revealing intricate details such as enamel crystal orientation, dentinal tubule morphology, and pulp vascular organization, which are challenging to capture with conventional methods. Comparative analyses show that 3D-EM surpasses traditional imaging in identifying mineral density gradients and tissue responses to mechanical stress, making it invaluable for dental material development and tissue engineering applications.
CONCLUSION: These findings underscore 3D-EM's role in advancing both clinical and research applications in dentistry, providing critical insights that may inform innovations in preventive, restorative, and regenerative dental therapies