RESUMO
Objective To evaluate the clinical diagnostic role of dental computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional reconstruction (3DR) compared with conventional dental periapical radiography (DPR) in the diagnosis of molar furcation involvement (FI). Methods Dental CT and 3DR were performed about a maxillary first molar and its alveolar bone diagnosed as FI II? by conventional probe technique, and the images were compared with that of DPR. Results The images of dental CT scans and 3DR showed not only the area, type and quantity of periodontal destruction, but also the complex stereoscopic anatomical vision and ambient spatial relationship around the molar. Especially, the images displayed the alveolar destructions of the dental buccal and palate site that could not always be demonstrated by DPR. The degree of the molar FI was defined as III? in fact. Conclusion Dental CT and 3DR have many superiorities and value, which can not be replaced by DPR, in the clinical diagnosis and prognostic judgment of molar furcation involvement.