Evaluation of Dental CBCT in Assessing the Furcation Involvement in Mandibular Molars

ABSTRACT

Furcation involvement (FI) refers to the invasion of the bifurcation and trifurcation areas of multi-rooted teeth by periodontal disease. Diagnosis of FI by 2D radiographs can be overcome by the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging technique. Objective: To compare the measurements of furcation depth by clinical method and CBCT in assessing the FI. Methods: The present study comprised of 60 furcation involved mandibular molars from 45 patients suffering from Chronic Generalized Severe Periodontitis. Teeth having probing pocket depth of ≥6mm were considered for the study. Clinical measurements of furcation depth were made on buccal or lingual sides of mandibular molars by using endodontic file with stopper which was done by two clinicians. The CBCT measurements were performed by measuring the deepest vertical and horizontal furcation defects at each furcation entrance. These measurements were then recorded, compiled and statistically analysed. Results: The comparison of furcation involvement clinically by clinician 1 and CBCT measurements in buccal side was statistically significant (p=0.0255*), while it was statistically not significant (p=0.3696 NS) on lingual side. Similarly, the comparison of furcation involvement clinically by clinician 2 and CBCT measurements in buccal side was statistically significant (p=0.0278*), while it was statistically not significant (p=0.4951 NS) on lingual side. Conclusion: CBCT technique can be considered a reliable tool for detecting FI as CBCT imaging showed high accuracy and moderate reproducibility in the assessment of furcation depth.