20 Radiographic Analysis of the Periodontium

A series of flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on radiographic analysis of the periodontium.

What are the crucial information provided by radiographs regarding the periodontium?

The level of interdental alveolar bone crests, size and shape of tooth roots, relationship between adjacent tooth roots, condition of alveolar bone in furcation areas, and presence of certain local contributing factors.

What are radiolucent structures and how do they appear on radiographs?

Radiolucent structures are less dense and not as mineralized, appearing dark gray to black on radiographs.

What distinguishes radiopaque structures from radiolucent structures?

Radiopaque structures are more dense and mineralized, appearing light gray to white on radiographs.

What does the contour of the alveolar crest in health indicate?

The contour of the alveolar crest is parallel to an imaginary line between the cementoenamel junctions (CEJs) of adjacent teeth.

What is the normal level of the alveolar crest in relation to the cementoenamel junction?

In health, the normal level of the alveolar crest is approximately 2 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction.

Describe lamina dura and its appearance on radiographs.

Lamina dura is a thin layer of dense bone that lines the normal socket, appearing as a continuous white line along the entire socket wall on radiographs.

What is the periodontal ligament space and how does it appear on radiographs?

The periodontal ligament space is filled with periodontal ligament tissue and appears as a thin radiolucent black line surrounding the tooth root.

What are the benefits of using long-cone paralleling technique for peri-apical radiographs?

It provides more anatomically accurate radiographs compared to other intra-oral radiographic techniques.

What should be evaluated when analyzing the level of interproximal bone on radiographs?

Evaluate for crestal irregularities, breaks, or fuzziness at the interdental crest and widening of periodontal ligament space.

What is the significance of the crown-to-root ratio in periodontal evaluation?

The crown-to-root ratio helps determine whether a tooth can be maintained and is crucial for evaluating its suitability as an abutment for prosthetics.

What do dental radiographs reveal regarding periodontal disease activity?

Dental radiographs primarily show past destruction and do not provide information about current periodontal disease activity.

What are some limitations of dental radiographs during periodontal evaluation?

Radiographs provide limited information, do not reveal the presence of periodontal pockets, early alveolar bone loss, or precise morphology of bone destruction.

What is one of the major signs of peri-implantitis?

Bone loss around a dental implant is a major sign of peri-implantitis.

What role does Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) play in dental implant treatment planning?

CBCT generates three-dimensional images of the periodontium, aiding in precise implant placement and enhancing treatment outcomes.

What are the recommendations for using CBCT in non-dental implant treatment planning?

CBCT should only be used when the potential benefits to the patient outweigh risks, and the expected diagnostic information will facilitate better care.