LAUSR

Background It is challenging to assess molar furcation bone loss by clinical detection and intraoral radiographs in many instances. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is expected to open a new horizon in periodontal assessment. Objective(s) The aim of this study was to compare and correlate molar furcation assessment via clinical detection, intraoral radiography, and CBCT. Study Design Eighty-three patients, seen at the University of Texas School of Dentistry (UTSD), with chronic periodontitis who had existing CBCT scans were included. Furcation involvement was assessed on maxillary and mandibular first molars. Periodontal charts (modified Glickman classification), intraoral (periapical and/or bitewing) radiographs, and sagittal and axial CBCT reconstructions were used to identify furcation involvement on buccal and palatal/lingual sites. The correlation of furcation assessment by the 3 methods was evaluated by Pearson's analysis. Results There were significant correlations (P Discussion/Conclusions This study validates that CBCT is a valuable tool in molar furcation assessment in addition to clinical examination and intraoral radiography.