Accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (cbct) in assessment of mandibular molar furcation defects as compared to the intra-operative findings

INTRODUCTION: The precise assessment of mandibular molar furcation defects is crucial before a prognosis and a treatment strategy can be established. The use of CBCT in periodontology has led to an increased precision in diagnosis of bone morphology. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the assessment of mandibular molar furcation defects when compared to intra-surgical assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 19 mandibular molar furcation defects. Three different CBCT measurements were taken: (bone loss in the horizontal direction – ‘BL-H’), degree of bone loss in vertical direction (BL-V) and width of the furcation entrance (FW). Measurements were compared to the intra-surgical measurements and results were statistically analysed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between measurements taken using CBCT and measurements taken intra-surgically giving a p value of 0.101, 0.201 and 0.910 for FW, BL-V and BL-H respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT is an accurate way in assessing mandibular molar furcation defects