Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy of Intraoral Digital Radiography When Compared to Cone-Beam Computed Tomography for Assessment of Vertical Defect Depth in Grade 2 Furcation Defects

Background: Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition resulting in attachment loss and alveolar bone loss. This destruction progresses apically exposing the furcation of multiischolar_mained teeth. Although we routinely employ conventional two-dimensional (2D) radiographs for diagnosing bone levels in periodontal disease, inaccuracy caused due to overlap of structures makes diagnosis almost impossible.

Aim: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of digital intraoral radiography technique when compared to the cone beam computed tomography in detecting vertical defect depth in grade 2 furcation defects.

Materials and Method: A total of 41 grade 2 furcations including 21 buccal and 20 lingual furcations were included. Vertical defect depth was assessed using IOPA and CBCT and then compared.

Results: There was a variation between the IOPA measurements and the CBCT measurements of vertical defect depth. The variation ranged from 0.04 to 5.9 mm. The mean variation between the 2 groups was found to be 1.77 ± 1.39. The mean VDD measured in CBCT was 2.85 ± 1.58 and the mean VDD measured in IOPA was 2.85 ± 1.74.

Conclusion: IOPA is not an accurate method to measure vertical defect depth in grade 2 furcation defects as compared to CBCT.