Determination of Vertical Interproximal Bone Loss Topography: Correlation Between Indirect Digital Radiographic Measurement and Clinical Measurement

Background: Diagnosis and accuracy in determining the exact location, extent and configurationof bony defects of the jaw are of utmost importance to determine prognosis,treatment planning and long-term preservation of teeth. If relatively accurate diagnosiscan be established by radiography, proper treatment planning prior to treatment procedureswill be possible.Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the correlation between indirectdigital radiographic measurements and clinical measurements in determining the topographyof interproximal bony defects.Patients and Methods: Twenty interproximal bony defects, preferably in the mandibularand maxillary 5 5 area were selected and radiographed using the parallel periapical technique.The radiographs were corrected and digitized on a computer using “Linear Measurement”software; then the three parameters of the base of defect (BD), alveolar crest(AC) and cementoenamel junction (CEJ) were determined using a software. Subsequentto radiographic measurements, clinical measurements were carried out meticulouslyduring flap procedures. Then linear measurements were carried out using a periodontalprobe to determine the defect depth and its mesiodistal width. Then the amount of correlationbetween these two measurements was assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficient.Results: The correlation between clinical and radiographic measurements in defect depthdetermination, in the evaluation of defect angle and in determination of defect widthwere 88%, 98% and 90%, respectively.Conclusions: Indirect digital radiographic technique can be used to diagnose intra-osseousdefects, providing a better opportunity to treat bony defects.