Is Micro X-ray Computer Tomography a Suitable Non-Destructive Method for the Characterisation of Dental Materials?

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of X-rays used in micro X-ray computer tomography (µXCT) on the mechanical performance and microstructure of a variety of dental materials. Standardised bending beams (2 × 2 × 25 mm) were forwarded to irradiation with an industrial tomograph. Using three-dimensional datasets, the porosity of the materials was quantified and flexural strength was investigated prior to and after irradiation.