Year : 2023

Volume : Volume 14

Issue : Issue 4

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Vineet Nair
drvineet_nair@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Introduction: The unique dentogingival junction and its association with dental biofilm give rise to infection in gingiva which if left untreated progresses to periodontitis. Involvement of furcation in a multi-rooted tooth poses a predicament in the form of diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan. Conventionally, diagnosis has been done through clinical probing and with the aid of radiology. However, they have their own shortcomings. Hence, the 3-D technology such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) may be useful in cases of furcation lesions. The role of CBCT imaging as a new diagnostic tool in modern-day dentistry cannot be overemphasized and it serves as an important diagnostic means for clinical assessment. Materials and Methods: The objective of the present study is to compare 100 mandibular molars with either Grade II or Grade III furcation involvement (FI) by clinical probing, conventional (intraoral periapical radiograph [IOPA] with grid) radiograph, and CBCT. Results: The degree of FI by clinical probing (vertical component) was matched in 47% of cases with IOPA X-ray (vertical component), and the findings of FI by IOPA X-ray (vertical) were matched in 58% of cases with that of CBCT. Furthermore, measurements of FI by clinical probing (horizontal component) were matched in 52% of cases with CBCT (horizontal), and finally, findings by clinical probing (vertical) were matched in 68.6% of cases with CBCT (vertical). Conclusion: CBCT may be a better alternative and non-invasive method for the diagnosis of Grade II and Grade III furcation defects in mandibular molars.