Abstract #1740

Tanasiewicz M, Weglarz W, Tomanek B, Jasinski A, Przeorek C, Gruwel M, Kupka T

Spin-echo based MR imaging methods allow for high resolution visualization of the moisture entering into heavily decayed tooth, which are paths for microorganisms causing further damage of the tissue. SE method which gives the highest quality images is relatively slow, and typically require more than 1h time for data collection. With FSE method reasonable quality image is possible to obtain in less than 10 minutes time, which in principle can be considered as applicable in vivo. With these methods it is not possible to see any details in mineralized tooths tissue, especially gradual decrease in tissue density in early stages of the caries development, as it can be seen from CT image. With this respect, the SPI method which allow for visualization of the mineralized tissue is more promising. Its limitations in obtaining high resolution images are long data collection and substantial rf deposition which has to be seriously considered in case of in vivo imaging. The potential solution is to compromise resoluti