Evaluation of the intensity of gingival melanin pigmentation at different age groups in the Indian population: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: The brownish-black pigmentation of the gingiva has been reported in several countries. However, the available literature pertaining to the Asian population suggests that this pigmentation is more predominant in individuals with dark complexion. Although there is available literature on the intensity of gingival pigmentation with different age groups in Japanese and Israel population, no such literature pertaining to age and intensity of melanin pigmentation is available in the Indian population. AIM: This study aims to observe the intensity of melanin pigmentation in different age groups in the Indian population. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Intensity of melanin pigmentation was observed by the gingival melanin pigmentation index as given by Ponnaiyan et al. in 250 individuals who were grouped under the age group of 0-5 years, 6-9 years, 10-12 years, 13-15 years, and 16-20 years. Each group comprised 25 individuals. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results were subjected to statistical analysis so as to observe the intensity of melanin pigmentation at different age groups in the Indian population. It was concluded that with age, the intensity of gingival melanin pigmentation, as well as its distribution to the posterior gingiva was increased. As age increased, gingival pigmentation was more in the attached and interdental papilla, while in the younger age groups, it was confined either only to the interdental, marginal or attached gingival, or both depending on the skin color.

Efficacy of Milk as a Desensitizing Agent for the Treatment of Sensitivity Following Scaling and Root Planing.

BACKGROUND: Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) is the most common problem encountered by most of the dentists in their day-to-day clinical practice. It is characterized by a sharp pain or discomfort arising as a response to thermal, chemical, or osmotic stimuli and is caused due to exposure of dentine after the enamel or cementum at the root surface has been lost by the treatment, underlying dental and gingival diseases or physiologic wear and tear of the teeth. This further complicates preventive oral hygiene procedures by the patients, which jeopardize periodontal treatment or may as well aid in periodontal treatment failure. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of commercially available milk as a desensitizing agent for the treatment of sensitivity following scaling and root planing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were selected randomly for scaling and then assessed for sensitivity. Those patients having DH were divided into two groups, wherein the Group A (test) patients were advised to rinse with commercially available milk at room temperature and those in Group B (control) with a commercially available mouthwash (Sentosil-SF). A four-point verbal rating scale was designed to record the numerical value of DH and were recalled for follow-up on 4th, 7th, and 10th day posttreatment. RESULTS: The study demonstrated that there was a considerable reduction in hypersensitivity in both the groups on the 7th and 10th day. In the milk group, eight patients showed a complete reduction in hypersensitivity on 7th day and 13 patients on 10th day, while in the mouthwash group, five patients showed the same on 7th day and ten patients on the 10th day, thus suggesting that more individuals in the milk group were benefited. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in every visit. CONCLUSION: Although there is a vast literature available which suggests the efficacy of commercially available mouthwash in reducing hypersensitivity, this study is the first of its kind which evaluates the efficacy of commercially available milk in reducing sensitivity which is induced postscaling. Considering that milk rinse is cheap and easily available at home, it can be used as a desensitizing agent, and rinsing with milk for few days is effective and stable in quick reduction of hypersensitivity induced by scaling.

Interlinking Periodontitis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Assessment of Crevicular Visfatin Levels in Health and in Disease Before and After Initial Periodontal Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Visfatin is a new adipocytokine associated with both chronic periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus independently. AIM: We aimed to estimate and compare the changes in the levels of visfatin in the Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) of healthy subjects and in subjects with periodontitis with or without controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) after administration of non-surgical periodontal therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty two subjects were equally divided into Group 1 (healthy), Group 2 (systemically healthy with chronic periodontitis), Group 3 (subjects with chronic periodontitis having controlled T2DM). Defined clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and at one month follow-up period. Visfatin was assessed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. One way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple post hoc procedures were used. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used for correlation. RESULTS: Significant increase in the visfatin levels was seen with the highest values observed in diabetes with periodontal disease. Visfatin responded to non-surgical periodontal therapy as observed by significant decrease in levels after one month but even at this period diabetics showed the highest levels. CONCLUSION: Visfatin levels are highest in individuals with both periodontal disease and diabetes even after periodontal therapy. Individuals with T2DM may be at higher risk of developing periodontal disease.

Reconstruction of Extensive Bucco-Palatal Defects Using Twin Block Grafts: A Clinical Report of the Sandwich Technique in Two Cases.

INTRODUCTION: Three-dimensional alveolar ridge defects in the anterior maxilla necessitate bone augmentation before implant placement. Bone volume, contour, and the overlying soft tissue form have to be optimized for an ideal outcome. A large three-dimensional defect needs osteogenic bone to predictably reconstruct the defect. Autogenous bone in the form of block and particulate is the graft of choice in such situations. CASE SERIES: Two cases are presented here with severe three-dimensional alveolar ridge deficiency in the maxillary right lateral incisor and maxillary canine areas, respectively. Both cases had a three-dimensional bone and contour deficiency. Restorative-driven positioning of the implant necessitated augmentation of the buccal and palatal aspects of the defects. The defects were grafted with autogenous corticocancellous bone blocks harvested from the mandibular symphysis. In both sites, one block was placed on the buccal side and the other on the palatal side, "sandwiching" the host bone and the remainder of the gap filled with particulate autogenous bone. Implants were placed in both cases 5 months after the grafting, and the final restorations were placed 5 months subsequently. The implants and the grafts successfully integrated at the sites with stable bone and soft tissue levels. At the 3-year follow-up, both implants showed stable bone and soft tissue levels. CONCLUSION: Autogenous corticocancellous block grafts used in a sandwich technique reconstructed the lost bone volume, but also facilitated implant placement and optimal restorative outcomes.

Efficacy of subgingivally delivered atorvastatin and simvastatin as an adjunct to scaling and root planing.

BACKGROUND: The current understanding of the pathogenesis of periodontal disease has resulted in adjunctive use of various pharmacologic agents in periodontal therapy. The objective of this investigation was to assess the efficacy of atorvastatin and simvastatin (because of their pleiotropic properties) as an adjunct to dental scaling and root planing (SRP) by local delivery, i.e. placing them subgingivally, in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. METHODS: Local delivery systems for atorvastatin and simvastatin were prepared in sodium alginate suspension to be administered with calcium chloride solution. Patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis were grouped as group 1, receiving SRP only (control), group 2, receiving SRP with subgingival delivery of 1.2% simvastatin, and group 3, receiving SRP with subgingival delivery of 1.2% atorvastatin. Clinical parameters and interleukin (IL) 1α levels in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were assessed. RESULTS: All three groups showed significant reductions in clinical parameters and IL-1α levels in the GCF (p<0.05). However, the test groups did not show any statistically significant difference when compared with control. CONCLUSIONS: Subgingivally delivered atorvastatin and simvastatin as an adjunct to SRP is efficacious but did not demonstrate any added benefit as compared with SRP alone.

Evaluation of soft tissue marginal stability achieved after excision with a conventional technique in comparison with laser excision: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue excision around natural teeth is carried out to increase the clinical crown lengths, expose the caries apical to the gingival margins and to correct irregular and un-esthetic soft-tissue contours. AIMS: The study was carried out with an aim to evaluate the stability of the soft tissue margins after excision either with a laser or scalpel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 patients indicated for soft tissue excision for correcting soft tissue discrepancies were selected. The patients with thick gingival biotype were included in the study. They were grouped randomly into excision by laser or scalpel methods. The change in the soft tissue positions from the time of excision to 1-month follow-up were evaluated immediate postoperatively, after 2 weeks and after 1-month postrestoration. RESULTS: The soft tissues remained stable in the laser group at 1-month follow-up, in contrast to the scalpel group and were found to be statistically significant, (Student's t-test) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The soft tissue margins are more stable and stay at the point they were excised with lasers when compared with scalpel.

Rehabilitation of a missing ear with an implant retained auricular prosthesis.

Burns can leave a patient with a severely debilitating disability even after treatment. The objectives of burn rehabilitation are to minimize the adverse effects caused by the injury while rehabilitating the patient's physical and psychological well-being, maximizing social integration. Long-term success of maxillofacial prostheses mainly depends on the retention. Extra oral implant retained prostheses have proved to be a predictable treatment option for maxillofacial rehabilitation. Replacement of a severely deformed external ear with burned tissues may be satisfactorily accomplished by a cosmetic prosthesis anchored by implants integrated in the skull. The use of such implants is now a well-recognized method for creating a stable result in maxillofacial rehabilitation. This case report describes a safe, simple and economical method for the rehabilitation of a patient with missing right auricle using an implant supported silicone prosthesis. The implant was placed in the mastoid region of the temporal bone. Reconstruction of the ear was done with auricular silicone prosthesis, retained using magnets incorporated in an autopolymerizing resin shim to decrease the weight of the prosthesis on a single implant. This method eliminates the need of tedious laboratory procedures and exact casting and fitting requirements of a metal substructure while minimizing the overall weight and cost of the prosthesis while maintaining adequate support, esthetics and retention of the prosthesis.

Measurement of gingival thickness using digital vernier caliper and ultrasonographic method: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The measurement of the thickness of the gingival tissues has been done using different techniques. Trans-gingival probing with a graduated probe, use of vernier calipers, ultrasonography and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), have all been tried, but no one technique has been shown to be consistent and better than the others. The present study was done to evaluate and compare the gingival thickness as measured with a digital vernier caliper and ultrasonography. METHODS: A total of 30 systemically healthy, non-smokers were included in the study. The gingival measurements were made and recorded from the maxillary and mandibular lateral incisor areas at 2 locations: (a) at a point apical to the free gingival groove; and (b) at a point immediately coronal to the muco-gingival junction. RESULTS: The mean gingival thickness ranged from 0.56 to 1.02 mm. Males had a significantly thicker gingiva as compared to females (P < 0.10). Significant differences were not observed when the measurements made using the digital vernier caliper and those made with ultrasonography were compared. CONCLUSIONS: The thickness of the gingiva was in the range of 0.56-1.02 mm. A digital vernier caliper and ultrasonography both can be used to assess the gingival thickness with equal accuracy.

Resistin levels in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with chronic periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Resistin is associated with local and systemic inflammatory conditions with a direct correlation with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this clinico-biochemical study is to estimate and compare the levels of resistin in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in health, chronic periodontitis (CP), and T2DM. METHODS: Sixty patients (aged >35 years) who participated in this study were divided into four groups of 15 patients each: healthy individuals (group 1), patients with CP (group 2), patients with T2DM (group 3), and patients with T2DM and CP (group 4). The parameters assessed included plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), periodontal index, body mass index, random blood sugar (RBS), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). GCF (4 µL) was collected and analyzed for resistin levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Resistin was detected in the GCF of all patients. A significant difference was observed in GCF resistin concentrations from group 1 versus group 2 (P = 0.0093), group 3 (P = 0.0341), and group 4 (P = 0.0002); in group 2 versus group 4 (P = 0.0032); and in group 3 versus group 4 (P = 0.0008). When all the samples were analyzed together, GCF resistin levels positively correlated with GI, PD, PI, RBS, and HbA1c and were predictable with PD and HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS: Resistin levels are increased in CP and T2DM. Hence, GCF resistin levels may be considered as a potential inflammatory marker for periodontitis with T2DM.

Evaluation of holy basil mouthwash as an adjunctive plaque control agent in a four day plaque regrowth model.

OBJECTIVES: Various antibacterial and antiplaque agents are used in chemical plaque control but none are without their shortcomings. Chlorhexidine considered a gold standard, also has an array of side effects. To overcome these, numerous herbal extracts have been tried and tested and one among them is holy basil. The present study evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of holy basil in vitro against some periodontopathogens and its antiplaque effect in vivo. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty periodontally healthy volunteers were randomly divided into three groups and refrained from all mechanical oral hygiene measures for 4 days and used one of the randomly assigned mouthwash (1- chlorhexidine; 2- holy basil; and 3- sterile water [placebo]) twice daily. The Plaque Index (PI) was assessed at days 0 and 5. Aqueous extract of holy basil was tested against Prevotella intermedia (P. intermedia) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (F.nucleatum). RESULTS: Holy basil extract showed inhibition of both the tested periodontopathogens (P.intermedia and F.nucleatum) at various concentrations. In all groups, the PI increased from baseline to day 5. There was a statistically significant difference (p < .05) between the chlorhexidine and placebo rinse and the holy basil and placebo rinse, but no statistically significant difference was found between the chlorhexidine and holy basil rinse with respect to PI. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the holy basil mouthwash has an antiplaque effect and is efficacious against P. intermedia and F. nucleatum strains in vitro. Hence holy basil mouthwash may have potential as an antiplaque mouthwash with prophylactic benefits. Key words:Antibacterial agent, basil, Fusobacterium nucleatum, mouthwashes, Prevotella intermedia.

A short-term evaluation of the relationship between plasma ascorbic acid levels and periodontal disease in systemically healthy and type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects.

BACKGROUND: Deficient ascorbic acid levels (AALs) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are associated with periodontal disease. This study evaluated the relationship between plasma AAL and periodontitis in systemically healthy and T2DM subjects, which to the best of our knowledge is being reported for the first time. METHODS: One hundred twenty subjects were categorized into four groups of 30 each as group 1: without periodontal disease; group 2: chronic gingivitis; group 3: chronic periodontitis, and group 4: chronic periodontitis and freshly diagnosed T2DM. Plaque index (PlI), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), and probing pocket depths (PPDs) were evaluated. Venous blood was evaluated for plasma AAL spectrophotometrically. Randomized subjects were subgrouped within groups 2-4, to receive either scaling and root planing (SRP) with dietary supplementation (450 mg) of ascorbic acid (AA) for two weeks or only SRP. After two weeks, the clinical parameters were reassessed. Tukey's multiple post hoc procedures and paired t test were used with the level of statistical significance adjusted to p ≤ .05. RESULTS: AAL plasma levels were significantly greater in group 1 than in group 2 (p = .0007) and in group 4 (p = .0003). A significant reduction in the SBI was seen in the subgroups that received dietary supplementation of vitamin C within group 2 (p = .0012) and group 4 (p = .036). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma AAL is below the normal range in systemically healthy subjects with gingivitis and diabetics with periodontitis. Dietary AA supplementation with SRP improves the SBI in subjects with gingivitis and diabetics with periodontitis.

Comparative evaluation of diode laser, stannous fluoride gel, and potassium nitrate gel in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity.

The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of diode laser (DL) with stannous fluoride and potassium nitrate gels in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity (DH). Fifty-four subjects, ages 25-45, having 2 adjacent teeth sensitive to air blast stimulation were included. The subjects were divided randomly into 3 groups (n= 18): Group A, subjects treated with DL; Group B, subjects treated with 0.4% stannous fluoride gel; and Group C, subjects treated with 5% potassium nitrate gel. Each group was evaluated at baseline; at weekly intervals for 2 consecutive weeks; and at 1, 3, and 6 months. All 3 groups showed decreases in the DH scores between baseline and 6 months This was more pronounced in Group A at all time intervals. When the 3 groups were compared between baseline and Week 1, there was a statistically significant decrease across all 3 groups between (P = 0.0020). The greatest difference in the DH scores between baseline and Week 1 was in Group A, compared to Groups B and C. The 940 nm DL was not only efficacious, but also brought about improved immediate relief as compared to stannous fluoride and potassium nitrate gels in the reduction of DH.

A clinical study of the effect of calcium sodium phosphosilicate on dentin hypersensitivity.

OBJECTIVE: Dentinal hypersensitivity is a commonly encountered problem with varied treatment options for its management. A large number of home use products have been tested and used for the management of dentinal hypersensitivity. This 8 week clinical trial investigates the temporal efficacy of commercially available calcium sodium phosphosilicate containing toothpaste in comparison to a potassium nitrate containing toothpaste. METHODS: A total 20 subjects between the ages of 18 to 65 years were screened for a visual analogue score (VAS) for sensitivity of 5 or more by testing with a cold stimulus and randomly divided into test and positive control groups. Baseline sensitivity VAS scores to air evaporative stimulus were recorded for minimum two teeth. The subjects were prescribed respective dentifrices and revaluated for sensitivity scores at 2, 4 and 8 weeks. RESULTS: The study demonstrated reduction in symptoms for all treatment groups from baseline to 2, 4 and 8 weeks. The calcium sodium phosphosilicate group showed a higher degree of effectiveness at reducing hypersensitivity to air evaporative stimulus at 2 weeks, than commercially available potassium nitrate. However, there was no significant difference in scores of subjects using the calcium sodium phosphosilicate toothpaste as compared to potassium nitrate at 4 weeks and 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: Calcium sodium phosphosilicate showed greater reduction in sensitivity compared to potassium nitrate at an earlier stage which is of high clinical value. However, based on the findings of the present study long term effects of calcium sodium phosphosilicate seem to be less promising than previously claimed. Key words:Dentinal desensitizing agents, dentinal hypersensitivity, toothpaste, pain measurement.

Salivary and gingival crevicular fluid histatin in periodontal health and disease.

OBJECTIVES: Histatin, with its anti bacterial, anti protease, and wound closure stimulating property might influence the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. This study assessed the presence of histatin in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF); the levels of salivary and GCF histatin in periodontal disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was a cross sectional study that included systemically healthy forty five subjects (22 males and 23 females) between the age group of 20 to 45 years. Based on Gingival Index (Loe and Silness ,1963) and Russell's Periodontal Index they were grouped as 15 healthy (Group 1), 15 gingivitis (Group 2), and 15 periodontitis (Group 3) subjects. Whole pooled unstimulated saliva was collected by asking the patient to spit in a sterile container and GCF samples were collected using a micropipette from all the subjects. Histatin levels were assessed using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The intergroup comparison was done by ANOVA and Mann Whitney U Test was done for pair wise comparison. RESULTS: The results of this study show that histatin is present in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid. When the salivary histatin levels were compared it was found that the levels of histatin increase from health to periodontitis but the levels of histatin in the gingival crevicular fluid and saliva had no correlation with severity of periodontal disease as there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that histatin cannot be used as a potential marker of periodontal disease. Key words:Periodontal disease, histatin, gingival crevicular fluid, saliva, gingival index, periodontal index, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

Efficacy of calcium sodium phosphosilicate in managing dentinal hypersensitivity.

A large number of home use products have been tested and used for managing dentinal hypersensitivity. This eight-week clinical trial compared the temporal efficacy of a commercially available toothpaste containing calcium sodium phosphosilicate to that of a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate. For this study, 20 subjects (age 18 - 65) were screened using a visual analog scale (VAS) for sensitivity to a cold stimulus. Baseline VAS sensitivity scores to tactile stimulus were recorded for a minimum of two teeth per patient. Dentifrices were prescribed for all patients and sensitivity scores were re-evaluated at two, four, and eight weeks. Though both groups showed significant reductions in sensitivity scores, only at eight weeks was there a marginally significant difference (p = 0.0551) in sensitivity scores between the test group and the positive control group.

Periodontal disease and anemias associated with Crohn's disease. A case report.

Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease with oral findings, including periodontal manifestations. Anemias, such as iron deficiency and anemia of chronic disease (ACD), are the most common hematologic complications of CD. Periodontitis has systemic effects, and may tend toward anemia, which can be explained by depressed erythropoiesis. In the report presented here, the authors review a case of Crohn's disease diagnosed 10 years previous to the patient presenting with a changing anemic profile and periodontal disease. A discussion of patient and disease management is included.

Determination of thickness of palatal mucosa.

BACKGROUND: The palatal masticatory mucosa is widely used as a donor material in periodontal plastic surgery. The thickness of graft tissue is an important factor for the graft survival. The purpose of this study was to determine the thickness of palatal mucosa by a bone sounding technique. The association of age and gender with the thickness of palatal mucosa was also examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty four healthy subjects had participated in the study. The younger age group of 16-30 years consisted of 12 subjects of 7 females and 5 males, and the older age group of 31-54 years consisted of 12 subjects, of 5 females and 7 males. A bone sounding method using a periodontal probe was done to assess the thickness of palatal mucosa at 15 measurement sites defined according to the gingival margin and palatal line. Mann-Whitney test was used to determine the difference in mucosal thickness between both the groups. RESULTS: The younger age group had thinner mucosa ranged from 2 to 3.1 mm in thickness than the older age group which ranged from 3.2 to 3.7 mm. In the same age group, females had thinner mucosa than males in the same age group. The mean thickness of palatal masticatory mucosa ranged from 2.5 to 3.7 mm. CONCLUSION: The younger subjects had thinner mucosa than older subjects. The canine and premolar areas appeared to be the most appropriate donor site for grafting procedures.

Platelet-rich plasma. A review.

Platelet-rich plasma has been used in periodontal therapy because of its biologic characteristics in promoting wound healing and regeneration. Platelet-rich plasma, growth factors in platelet-rich plasma, their mechanism of action, probable role in wound healing, preparation of platelet-rich plasma and its activation are reviewed to provide insights into the role of this entity in wound healing and regeneration.

Efficacy of locally-delivered doxycycline microspheres in chronic localized periodontitis and on Porphyromonas gingivalis.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and effect of locally-delivered doxycycline microspheres with scaling and root planing in periodontal pocket therapy and on Porphyromonas gingivalis, respectively. METHODS: Twenty sites with a probing pocket depth of 4-6 mm were divided into two groups: a control group consisting of scaling and root planing, with one application of doxycycline microspheres only at baseline, and a test group consisting of scaling and root planing, with an application of doxycycline microspheres at baseline and 1 and 3 months. Clinical readings included the plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, and relative attachment level. Rapid polymerase chain reaction method was used for the detection of P. gingivalis. RESULTS: A statistically-significant reduction in probing pocket depth and attachment gain was found in both groups; the test group showed a significant reduction in probing pocket depth and attachment gain compared with the control at 3 and 6 months. P. gingivalis cell count in the test group was significantly reduced at all the time periods, except from 1 to 3 months. CONCLUSION: Local drug delivery of doxycycline microspheres significantly improved the treatment outcomes in periodontal pocket therapy and reduced P. gingivalis in the periodontal pocket.

Comparison of radiovisiography and digital volume tomography to direct surgical measurements in the detection of infrabony defects.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the linear measurements of Radiovisiography (RVG) and Digital volume tomography (DVT) to direct surgical measurements in the detection of periodontal infrabony defects. STUDY DESIGN: RVG and DVT images were taken prior to periodontal surgery for 28 infrabony periodontal defects. After defect debridement, direct bony defect measurements were made from the cemento enamel junction (CEJ) to the base of the defect (CEJ-BD) and to the alveolar crest (CEJ-AC) with a periodontal probe. These same measurements were made on the RVG and DVT images and then compared to the direct surgical values. RESULTS: DVT correlated strongly with surgical measurements, whereas RVG correlated less favorably (P=0.0109, P=0.0193 respectively).No significant difference for CEJ-AC (P=0.0599) was seen between DVT and surgical measurements; however, there was a significant difference for the distance CEJ-BD (P=0.0105). CONCLUSION: DVT technique is significantly more accurate than RVG in the detection of infrabony periodontal defects. Key words:Tomography, volume computed, dental radiovisiography, periodontal diseases.