Evaluation of the in vitro quantitative measurement of II degree furcation involvements in mandibular molars by cone-beam computed tomography

To evaluate the accuracy of measurement of II degree furcation involvements in molars of dry mandibles by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Twenty molars with II degree furcation involvements in dry mandibles were examined directly and measured by CBCT. Eight parameters were selected to describe the exact appearance of each II degree furcation involvements, including vertical defect dimensions, horizontal defect dimensions and furcation entrance dimensions. The results were compared with the corresponding data obtained by probing and periapical radiograph.All furcation involvements could be correctly classified by CBCT. For 5 of 8 parameters, no significant difference was found between the data obtained by CBCT and probing measurements (P>0.05). The distances from furcation entrance to alveolar crest, to bottom of bone pocket, and to the deepest site of horizontal bone defect measured by CBCT were less than those probed directly (P<0.05), but the differences were less than 0.5 mm (0.21, 0.24, 0.35 mm, respectively). The localization of furcation entrance may cause the differences. Two out of 20 furcation involvements could not be detected on periapical radiographs, and only 2 of 8 parameters could be measured on periapical radiographs.CBCT could provide precise and detailed 3D images of II degree furcation involvements in vitro.PubMed0141-54