Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. 2019 Sep, Vol-13(9): ZC01-ZC08 1 1 DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2019/41840.13128 Original Article Dentistry Section Accuracy of Cone Beam Computed Tomography Over Conventional Radiography (IOPA), Clinical Probing and Direct Surgical Measurements in the Assessment of Periodontal Defects INTRODUCTION The diagnosis and accuracy in determining the exact location, extent and configuration of bony defects and classification of furcation defects are important aspects of periodontal examination, both for treatment planning and prognosis of teeth [1]. Currently the main diagnostic tools for periodontal diseases are clinical probing and intraoral radiography. However, both techniques have its own limitation in assessment of periodontal bone loss. The major limitation is that the three dimensional information of periodontal bone defects, especially intra bony defects and furcation involvements cannot be obtained [1]. Projection errors associated with 2 dimensional radiographs may over-estimate or under-estimate bone loss and also is hindered by the overlapping of anatomical structures [2,3]. Probing force is proportional with the values obtained during clinical probing [2]. Lack of three dimensional information of the dentition was overcome by the introduction of CT scan, however the increased radiation exposure and high cost was its main disadvantage [4]. Therefore, in order to understand the bone dimensions and to evaluate the bone gain after treatment, direct surgical or open bone measurements was considered to be the gold standard [5]. However, it gives only little time for the surgeon to evaluate the type and depth of the defect during surgery and plan for periodontal regeneration procedures. To overcome this Cone beam CT (CBCT) has been introduced and have wide range of applications in the field of dentistry [6]. Cone beam computed tomography provides three-dimensional information of the dentition as well as its supporting structures. Other benefit includes reduced radiation exposure to the patient compared to conventional CT, panoramic radiography and full mouth IOPA. Scan time is rapid in CBCT compared to panoramic radiograph, accurate image with resolution ranging from 0.4 mm to 0.076 mm can be obtained in CBCT, and also CBCT allows multiplanar reformation of the image [5]. MS NABEEL ALTHAF 1 , MOHAMMED MUSTAFA 2 , RAJESH HOSADURGA 3 , MS ARUN KUMAR 4 , SHASHIKANTH HEGDE 5 , S RAJESH KASHYAP 6 Keywords: Bone defect, Clinical probing, Direct bone measure, Flap surgery ABSTRACT Introduction: Currently the main diagnostic tools for periodontal diseases are clinical probing and intraoral radiography. However, both techniques have its own limitation in assessment of periodontal bone loss. Periodontal diagnosis relies heavily on traditional two dimensional radiographic assessments. Lack of three dimensional information of the dentition was overcome by the introduction of CT scan, however the increased radiation exposure and high cost was its main disadvantage. Recently, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has turned this concept into potential reality because these lower-cost small machines produce high-quality data. Yet there is little research to establish periodontal bone measurement using CBCT as a valid method. Aim: To compare linear measurements of periodontal defects using CBCT to clinical, Intraoral radiographs and open bone measurements. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Periodontology in association with the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Yenepoya Dental College, Yenepoya University, Mangaluru. Sixty-three periodontal bone defects in patients suffering from periodontitis and scheduled for flap surgery were included in the study. Based on clinical and radiographic assessment, the periodontal defects were grouped into three groups. Group A- Horizontal bone loss (21 sites), Group B -Vertical bone loss (21 sites) and Group C- Furcation defects (21 sites). On the day of surgery prior to anaesthesia, after obtaining clinical probing measurements, CBCT and IOPA (Long cone paralleling technique with grid) of the quadrant to be operated was taken. After reflection of the flap, direct measurements were obtained for all the periodontal defects. The measurements taken during surgery were then compared to the measurements done with CBCT, IOPA and clinical probing subjected to statistical analysis using the Intra class correlation coefficient and Paired t-test. Results: Overall there was a very high correlation between the direct bone and CBCT measurements. For horizontal bone defects, Intra-class correlation coefficient showed excellent agreement of CBCT measurements with direct bone measurements in all the areas around the tooth where as IOPA and clinical probing showed moderate agreement. No significant difference was obtained between CBCT and direct bone measurements in the mesiobuccal, mesiolingual/mesiopalatal and distobuccal areas. For vertical bone loss, no significant difference was noted between CBCT and direct measurements from the CEJ to the crest of the bone adjacent to the defect. CBCT could detect 95% of the furcation defects whereas IOPA detected only 66% of the defects. Clinical probing appears to be the least reliable technique, with only 15% of the furcation defects being detected. Conclusion: Overall, all three modalities are useful for identifying periodontal defects. CBCT allowed more accurate assessment of horizontal, angular bony defects and furcation involvements than IOPA and clinical probing. Compared to radiographs, the three-dimensional capability of CBCT offers a significant advantage because all defects can be detected and quantified.