Periodontal probing on digital images compared to clinical measurements in periodontitis patients

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the supra-alveolar gingival dimension (GD) and the clinical pocket probing depth (PD) by combining data from an intraoral scanner (IOS) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and identify the clinical features affecting the clinical PD. 1,071 sites from 11 patients were selected for whom CBCT, IOS images, and periodontal charts were recorded at the same visit. CBCT and IOS data were superimposed. GD was measured on cross-sectional images of the probed sites. The level of agreement and correlation between GD and PD were assessed for the entire population and within groups (treated vs untreated, bleeding on probing [BOP] vs no BOP, and PDs of 0–3 mm vs 4–5 mm vs ≥ 6 mm). The mean [± SD] difference between GD and PD was 0.82 [± 0.69] mm, and they were positively correlated (r = 0.790, p < 0.001). The correlations between GD and PD were stronger for untreated sites, sites with BOP, and sites with a larger PD. Within the limitations of this study, the similarity between GD and PD may suggest a possible tendency of overestimation when recording PD.

Gingival shape analysis using surface curvature estimation of the intraoral scans

“…Finally, a gingival morphology [ 5 ] and gingival phenotype, i.e., gingival thickness and keratinized tissue width, that can be altered with teeth malposition [ 6 , 7 ] should be evaluated as a part of periodontal phenotype evaluation also including an evaluation of bone morphotype, i.e., buccal bone thickness. A wide variety of novel imaging methods are constantly being proposed to aid in the diagnosis of periodontal conditions, including ultrasound imaging [ 8 ], magnetic resonance imaging [ 9 ], cone-beam computed tomography [ 10 , 11 ], optical coherence tomography [ 12 ], and optical scanning [ 13 ]. Recently, intraoral scans were utilized for the remote diagnosis of gingival and periodontal conditions by visual assessment [ 14 , 15 ].…”

Periodontal Outcomes and Digital Data Integration of Orthodontic Treatment with Clear Aligners: A Prospective Pilot Study

“…Clinical crown (CC) length measured on STL files increased after orthodontic treatment in the anterior area (not statistically significant) and on premolars and molars (statistically significant). Conversely, for the same teeth, the periodontal charting did not highlight any recession increase accordingly; this could be due to the poor reliability and overall difficulty reading the millimeter scale on the perio probe in posterior areas [44,45]. Scan measurements, instead, were found to be a reliable means to detect changes in clinical crown height [46].…”

Comparative Assessment of Reliability and Accuracy of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Over Direct Surgical Measurement for Periodontal Bone Loss: A Prospective, Cross-Sectional Study

“…Although periodontal probes are extensively used to assess the gingival and periodontal health of dental patients and are regarded as the benchmark for direct surgical measurements of periodontal defects, the technique is highly sensitive and influenced by various factors such as probe placement angulation, probe type, tip diameter, clinician expertise, probing force, defect type, and inflammation level. Moreover, direct surgical measurements provide inadequate time to devise regenerative procedures for patients [ 2 ].…”

“…The presence of inaccuracies has the potential to greatly influence the process of clinical decision-making, especially in the context of continuous monitoring of periodontal status. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the potential sources of error when using periodontal probes to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment planning [ 2 ].…”