Imaging in Periodontology

Abstract

Periodontal disease is the most common oral disorder in the elderly population. Early detection of bony and soft tissue support changes is therefore crucial in relation to the prevention of tooth loss and/or the patient’s general health. Unfortunately, the current diagnostic tools for accurate assessment of this periodontal status have shown several limitations. Most image analysis tools are based on 2D images, while bone remodelling is a 3D process. At present, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has become a powerful diagnostic tool in dentistry. This chapter will bring an overview of 2D and 3D visualization methods of the periodontal tissues and their pathologic manifestations like infrabony craters and furcation involvements. The diagnostic use of 2D radiographic projections, image filtering and subtraction will be compared to the use of 3D cross-sections and the image analysis tools for 3D visualization and/or follow-up of bony changes.