Objectives: The present study compared between cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intra oral digital radiography in detection of linear interproximal periodontal defects.
Patients and Methods: 20 patients complained from symptoms of chronic periodontal diseases with bleeding upon probing and deep periodontal pockets were subjected to clinical examination using straight periodontal probe (PCP UNC 15, Hu Friedy, Chicago, IL) then examined radiographically by intraoral digital radiography using photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plate, and CBCT scans were obtained using an i-CAT system, furcation involvement was measured clinically using NABERS probe and evaluated by CBCT scan. Two radiologists were instructed to measure the linear periodontal defect on both types of the scans.
Results: There was statistically significant difference between CBCT and intraoral digital radiography in measurement of linear periodontal defects (CCC ranged between 0.540 to 0.588), percentage of agreement 95.65%between CBCT and clinical measurement of furcation involvement.
Conclusion: 1-CBCT provided more additional benefits over IO Digital radiography on infrabony defect assessment especially with maxillary molar teeth and when the defect extends at buccal or palatal / lingual surfaces.2-PSP was diagnostically acceptable in cases of infrabony defects at mesial or distal surfaces, FI with Grade III and Grade IV and no need for CBCT in these cases.3-There was perfect correlation between CBCT and clinical measurement of FI.