X‐ray microtomography: 3‐dimensional imaging of teeth for computer‐assisted learning

X‐ray microtomography (XMT), a miniaturised form of computed tomography, has been used to generate 3‐dimensional volume data sets of the X‐ray absorption of human teeth in vitro, with a resolution of ∼40 μm (cubic voxel sidelength). Examples are presented of images relevant to dental morphology, cariology, and cavity preparation and restoration. Applications of XMT imaging to dental education are discussed in the context of new approaches to visual learning through computer‐assisted methods.