Three-Dimensional Analysis of Root Anatomy and Root Canal Curvature in Mandibular Incisors Using Micro-Computed Tomography with Novel Software

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The article is overall well written and the results are consistent with the data presented. 

 

Author Response

Thank you for your valuable comment. We deeply appreciate the time and effort spent on reviewing this manuscript.

 

Reviewer 2 Report

Dear authors,

I think the sample for such a in vitro experimental study is too small. I recommend to retry the study with another sample and resubmit the article in one of the endodontic-related journals.

Author Response

Point 1

I think the sample for such a in vitro experimental study is too small. I recommend to retry the study with another sample and resubmit the article in one of the endodontic-related journals.

Response 1

Thank you for your valuable comment. The small sample size is a limitation of this study, and we mentioned in the discussion section in the revised manuscript. We are planning a further study on the mandibular incisor with a large sample size, the present study is a preliminary study. Additionally, the revised manuscript has been corrected in English via professional English language editing service. 

We measured the anatomical features of mandibular incisors with high precision measurement. We used micro computed tomography with voxel size of 31.8 μm³. After micro CT scanning, the reconstructed image was sliced perpendicular to the canal axis with 0.1mm interval. Therefore, we think our manuscript is suitable for the content of this special issue ‘Precision Dimensional Measurements’ of Applied Sciences.

Reviewer 3 Report

Root canal treatment of mandibular incisor is very important and equally complex.  This study makes a significant contribution in dentistry. Using, this, the dentist can perform a successful root canal without any errors.

 

 

Author Response

We deeply appreciate the time and effort spent on reviewing this manuscript. The revised manuscript has been corrected in English via professional English language editing service. 

Reviewer 4 Report

The aim of the present study was to provide an anatomical characterization of mandibular incisors concerning minimum and maximum root canal width, dentine thickness and 3D direction and degree of root canal curvatures by means of MCT and dedicated software.

The previous study conducted on the same topic and with the same method have already been published by the same Authors’ group; in the present manuscript object of the study was mandibular incisors.

The paper is precisely presented and the MCT method accurately described. However, to be eligible for publication, the paper should be improved and some points should be addressed as reported below:

- Figure 1 caption should be rephrased according to the text.

- Ethical committee approval should be provided.

- The authors included a total of 27 samples. Had sample size calculation been performed? On this reviewer's concern, the numerosity of the sample should take into account the high variability of tooth anatomy characterizing the mandibular incisors, as well as all other teeth.

- Which type of mandibular incisors were included? Both lateral and central? This aspect should be clarified, considering also the anatomical variables between different teeth.

- The study was performed on extracted teeth. How were the teeth processed and stored immediately after extraction? Please add this information within the Materials and Methods section.

Please discuss and add the following relevant literature on the topic and method:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23604784/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22905069/

 

Author Response

We deeply appreciate the time and effort spent on reviewing this manuscript. According to the reviewer's comments, point by point responses are enclosed. Please see the attachment. 

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 5 Report

Research is well conducted. Graphic display and results are clearly shown. Conclusions are in correlation with goals. Results are important for firther investigations as well as for clinical work.

Author Response

We deeply appreciate the time and effort spent on reviewing this manuscript.

Round 2

Reviewer 4 Report

The manuscript was improved and it is suitable for publication