ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the accuracy of Direct Digital Radiography (DDR) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in determination and diagnosis of periodontal osseous defects. METHODS: A nonrandomized in vivo study was conducted to compare the two imaging modalities, DDR and CBCT, for the diagnosis of periodontal osseous defects. Comparison was made between the linear measurements of DDR and CBCT images with the actual measurements of various osseous defects during surgical exposure (Gold standard). RESULTS: The results of the present study demonstrated the difference in the mean values of the DDR and surgical exposure measurements of periodontal osseous defects, whereas comparable mean values were found between the CBCT and surgical exposure measurements, with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) being found between each modality. CONCLUSION: CBCT proved to be an indispensable imaging tool in detecting and quantifying periodontal defects and furcation involvement more precisely and could provide additional benefits over the traditional radiography for clinical and postsurgical evaluation.
ABSTRACT
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an indispensable diagnostic imaging tool for dento-alveolar examination. CBCT scanning has become a valuable imaging modality in the field of Periodontology for the detection of very small osseous defects. A patient reported to the department of Periodontology with a complaint of loose teeth. Clinical and direct digital radiographic (DDR) examination revealed advanced periodontal destruction, but failed to diagnose the morphology of generalized osseous defects, around all the surfaces of each tooth. CBCT images were obtained for detailed examination of each and every osseous defect around all the teeth. Patient was then diagnosed with generalized aggressive periodontitis. Flap surgery was performed in order to eliminate the periodontal pockets, exposing and degranulating the osseous defects. Actual measurements of surgically exposed osseous defects were compared with that seen in CBCT images and found to be exactly identical. CBCT has proved to be as accurate in measuring osseous defects as direct measurements with a periodontal probe. Buccal and lingual periodontal defects that could not be diagnosed by conventional radiography can be identified with CBCT.
