A reproducible method for evaluating radiographic changes in periodontal defects

Abstract

A standardized radiographic method has been presented for evaluating longitudinal changes in periodontal defects. The technique employs metallic endosseous implants, radiopaque pocket probes and markings on the tooth to provide constant points of reference from which accurate interpretation of diagnostic radiographs may be made. The data suggest that inherent in this method is a very small degree of variability, and that it may be a more useful technique to incorporate in future clinical investigations than conventional use of the periodontal probe.