Comparison of intraoral digital radiography and cone-beam computed tomography in the measurement of periodontal bone defects

Abstract

Background. Periodontal disease has a high prevalence in many countries. Thus, the early detection of periodontal disease is important in order to obtain the most appropriate treatment plan to prevent tooth loss, and subsequently, to maintain the patient's general health. Objectives. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral parallel digital radiography in measuring the dimensions of periodontal bone defects. Material and methods. In this in vitro study, 236 periodontal bone defects were artificially created in dry human mandibles using a burr. Defects included horizontal, one-, two-, and three-wall defects, craters, dehiscences, and fenestrations. Intraoral digital radiographs were obtained using the parallel technique with photostimulable phosphor plates (PSP) and CBCT scans were performed. Two calibrated observers evaluated the images and measured the dimensions of the defects. Clinical probing was performed and considered as the gold standard. The measurements of digital radiography and CBCT were compared to those achieved by probing to evaluate their accuracy. Results. Cone-beam computed tomography had a significantly stronger correlation with the gold standard than intraoral parallel digital imaging. In the total assessment of the periodontal defects, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated at 0.93 for CBCT-probe and at 0.78 for PSP-probe (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The accuracy of CBCT was superior to that of intraoral digital radiography for measuring horizontal, one-, two-, and three-wall defects, craters, dehiscences, and fenestrations.