Evaluation of alveolar crest bone loss via premolar bitewing radiographs: presentation of a new method

Abstract

PurposeThis study aimed to assess the interdental bone level in premolar bitewing radiographs while retracting the cheeks.MethodsSeventy-two horizontal bone defects were created on dried mandibles and maxillae. The distance from the bone level to the cement-enamel junction of premolars was detected by a modified digital caliper (considered the gold standard). The reliability of all radiographs was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the validity was compared to the gold standard using the analysis of variance test. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsThis study showed that the reliability of radiographs without a cheek simulator and with 0.16 second exposure time was significantly higher than that of the two other groups (ICC=0.96 compared to 0.93 and 0.88, respectively). The results from the radiographs without a cheek simulator and with 0.16 second exposure time were more similar to the gold standard measures than those of the two other groups, although the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionsRetracting the buccal soft tissue plays an important role in increasing the accuracy of radiographs in detecting the interdental alveolar bone level and produces more accurate results than increasing the exposure time, although it does not have a significant role in reliability of results.Graphical Abstract

Awareness of bitewings among polish dentists

“…It has also been proven that removal of soft tissues (especially the cheek) from the area where the X-ray beam is directed improves the quality of the X-ray of the bone and the contrast of the picture, thereby it increases the sensitivity of a bitewing. 19 Removal of soft tissues seems to have a more important effect on the quality of the picture than the time extension of the X-ray exposure.…”

“…The sensitivity of approximal caries detection is 2 times higher in bitewing radiography compared to clinical diagnosis; in other words, half of approximal cavities are not diagnosed in clinical examination. [18][19][20] One of the newest inventions is the technique of extraoral bitewing X-ray with a reduced dose of radiation for the patient. 5 This type of X-ray is easier to be taken with patients with whom it is not possible to apply the standard method of taking bitewing X-rays; e.g.…”

Comparision between Conventional Radiography (IOPA) and Digital Radiography Using Bitewing Technique in Detecting the Depth of Alveolar Bone Loss

“…In recent years, a digital imaging system -Radiovisiography (RVG) has offered an alternative and instant method for measurement of intraoral radiography [5]. It has been reported that RVG system provided approximately an 80% reduction in radiation dosage in comparison with conventional X-ray films [6].…”