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 configuration of bony defects of the jaw are of utmost importance to determine prognosis, treatment planning and long-term preservation of teeth. if relatively accurate diagnosis can be established by radiography, proper treatment planning prior to treatment procedures will be possible. objectives: the aim of the present study was to assess the correlation between indirect digital radiographic measurements and clinical measurements in determining the topography of interproximal bony defects. patients and methods: twenty interproximal bony defects, preferably in the mandibular and 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. subsequent to radiographic measurements, clinical measurements were carried out meticulously during flap procedures. then linear measurements were carried out using a periodontal probe to determine the defect depth and its mesiodistal width. then the amount of correlation between these two measurements was assessed by pearson's correlation coefficient. results: the correlation between clinical and radiographic measurements in defect depth determination, in the evaluation of defect angle and in determination of defect width were 88%, 98% and 90%, respectively. conclusions: indirect digital radiographic technique can be used to diagnose intra-osseous defects, providing a better opportunity to treat bony defects.