The Radiographic Assessment of Furcation Area in Maxillary and Mandibular First Molars while Considering the New Classification of Periodontal Disease

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the radiographic reliability in the diagnosis of furcation involvement in first molars. A total of 52 subjects were included in the current study. Personal history regarding smoking was recorded and a periodontal examination was performed. Pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession, and furcation involvement in all first molars were assessed for each patient. Periodontal staging and grading were evaluated using the new classification of periodontal disease. Class II and Class III furcation classification were more frequently observed in radiographs than the Class I furcation; however, no significant differences were observed. Radiographic observation of the furcation was seen more when PD and CAL were >5 mm in all molars. The presence of gingival recession and its relation to the radiographic assessment did not reveal any statistically significant association (p > 0.05) except for tooth #16. The trend of visibility of furcation radiographically was more as the grade of staging was increased. Moreover, the presence of smoking habits and visibility of furcation radiographically did not have any statistical significance. Smoking may not be a factor in the furcation involvement. There is a direct relationship between the staging and grading of the periodontitis and furcation involvement.

Assessing the Accuracy and Reliability of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in Diagnosing Grade II and III Furcation Involvement Compared to Traditional Clinical Examination Methods

“…These findings are consistent with those of some previous studies that have also reported discrepancies between clinical and radiographic measurements of FI [3,4]. However, it should be noted that the current study focused on a specific type of radiographic examination through CBCT, whereas previous studies used different types of radiographic measurements, such as periapical and panoramic radiographs.…”

“…Hamp's and Glickman's classification systems are used to categorize FI based on horizontal bone loss at the furcation area [3,4]. While the accuracy of clinical detection largely depends on an operator's skills, which can differ from one operator to another, the measurements are often based on the penetration depth into inflamed connective tissues rather than the actual depth of the interradicular bony defect [5].…”

Deep Learning for Dental Diagnosis: A Novel Approach to Furcation Involvement Detection on Periapical Radiographs

“…Radiographic diagnosis is the most widely used and important means of evaluating teeth in dentistry. The use of new X-ray techniques like cone beam-computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to enhance the accuracy of diagnosing root canal bifurcations [14]. This means that clinical dentists still mostly rely on traditional X-ray images.…”