Comparative Evaluation of Periodontal Osseous Defects Using Direct Digital Radiography and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the accuracy of Direct Digital Radiography (DDR) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in determination and diagnosis of periodontal osseous defects.

Methods: A nonrandomized in vivo study was conducted to compare the two imaging modalities, DDR and CBCT, for the diagnosis of periodontal osseous defects. Comparison was made between the linear measurements of DDR and CBCT images with the actual measurements of various osseous defects during surgical exposure (Gold standard).

Results: The results of the present study demonstrated the difference in the mean values of the DDR and surgical exposure measurements of periodontal osseous defects, whereas comparable mean values were found between the CBCT and surgical exposure measurements, with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) being found between each modality.

Conclusion: CBCT proved to be an indispensable imaging tool in detecting and quantifying periodontal defects and furcation involvement more precisely and could provide additional benefits over the traditional radiography for clinical and postsurgical evaluation.