RADIOGRAPHIC DETECTABILITY OF PERIODONTAL-DISEASES - A COMPARISON OF PERIAPICAL RADIOGRAPHY WITH DETAILED ZONOGRAPHY

Objective. To compare the diagnostic accuracy of conventional periapic al radiography with detailed zonography using the Scanora(R) system fo r the detection of periodontal disease. Methods. We selected for compa rison 311 periodontal sites in 165 patients. Five observers independen tly assessed the periapical radiographs and detailed zonograms for mar ginal widening of periodontal ligament space, crestal erosion, vertica l bone loss, furcation involvement and calculus. Results. ROC analysis revealed no significant differences between the two imaging technique s for either overall or lesion-specific interpretation of periodontal pathology. The sensitivity of periapical radiography was 79%, and of d etailed zonography 91% (multiview) and 89% (stereoscopic). Specificiti es were 82%, 77% and 83%, respectively. Conclusion. Detailed zonograph y performs as well as periapical radiography in the detection of perio dontal disease.