Changes

==Interpreting Periodontal Disease==

==Interpreting Periodontal Disease==

Dental radiographs assist in the assessment of [[Periodontal Disease|periodontitis]] by providing information regarding [[Enamel Organ#Alveolar Bone|alveolar bone]] loss. They complement, not replace, the [[Oral Examination|clinical examination]]. The clinical examination is essential for evaluating the soft tissue changes such as inflammation, gingival recession, and periodontal pocket formation. Clinical examination will provide evidence of mild bone loss, such as a Grade I furcation exposure, prior to changes being apparent on a dental radiograph. The dental radiograph is a two-dimensional image, and the morphology of an infrabony defect will be determined on clinical examination rather than on radiographic evaluation.

[[Intra-Oral Radiography|Dental radiographs]] assist in the assessment of [[Periodontal Disease|periodontitis]] by providing information regarding [[Enamel Organ#Alveolar Bone|alveolar bone]] loss. They complement, not replace, the [[Oral Examination|clinical examination]]. The clinical examination is essential for evaluating the soft tissue changes such as inflammation, [[Dental Indices and Criteria#Gingival Recession|gingival recession]], and periodontal pocket formation. Clinical examination will provide evidence of mild bone loss, such as a Grade I [[Dental Indices and Criteria##Furcation Involvement|furcation exposure]], prior to changes being apparent on a dental radiograph. The dental radiograph is a two-dimensional image, and the morphology of an infrabony defect will be determined on clinical examination rather than on radiographic evaluation.

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Widening of the [[Enamel Organ|Periodonal Ligament|periodontal ligament]] space, decreased alveolar bone density, and bone loss are all radiographic changes associated with periodontitis.<br><br>

Widening of the [[Enamel Organ|Periodonal Ligament|periodontal ligament]] space, decreased alveolar bone density, and bone loss are all radiographic changes associated with periodontitis.<br><br>

'''Alveolar bone loss''' may be mild, moderate, or severe, the significance of the bone loss will depend on the amount of attachment loss and the teeth involved. '''Furcation bone loss''' is bone loss that occurs in the area where multirooted teeth divide. Approximately 30% to 40% of the furcation bone must be lost before it will be evident on a radiograph. A Grade 3 furcation exposure is complete loss of bone in the furcation area, and this may be identified readily on most two-rooted teeth but may be more difficult to determine on the three-rooted maxillary molar teeth.<br><br>

'''Alveolar bone loss''' may be mild, moderate, or severe, the significance of the bone loss will depend on the amount of attachment loss and the teeth involved. '''Furcation bone loss''' is bone loss that occurs in the area where multirooted teeth divide. Approximately 30% to 40% of the furcation bone must be lost before it will be evident on a radiograph. A Grade 3 furcation exposure is complete loss of bone in the furcation area, and this may be identified readily on most two-rooted teeth but may be more difficult to determine on the three-rooted maxillary molar teeth.<br><br>

Crowded and malpositioned teeth make it more difficult to diagnose alveolar margin and furcation bone loss from a radiograph. Interdental alveolar bone loss and furcation bone loss, especially when mild, are often easier to identify radiographically than alveolar bone loss superimposed over the tooth roots.<br><br>

Crowded and malpositioned teeth make it more difficult to diagnose alveolar margin and furcation bone loss from a radiograph. Interdental alveolar bone loss and furcation bone loss, especially when mild, are often easier to identify radiographically than alveolar bone loss superimposed over the tooth roots.<br><br>

Severe periodontitis may result in secondary complications such as external root resorption and endodontic disease  or weakening of the [[Skull and Facial Muscles - Anatomy & Physiology#Mandible (mandibula)|mandible]] with potential for fracture.

Severe periodontitis may result in secondary complications such as external root resorption and [[Endodontic Conditions|endodontic disease]] or weakening of the [[Skull and Facial Muscles - Anatomy & Physiology#Mandible (mandibula)|mandible]] with potential for fracture.

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[[Category:Intra-Oral Radiography]]

[[Category:Intra-Oral Radiography]]

[[Category:To Do - Dentistry Images]]

[[Category:To Do - Dentistry Images]]