Evaluation of Alveolar Bone Regeneration Using Small Three-dimensional Image Analysis of Computed TomographyFindings After Periodontal Regenerative Therapy : A Case Report

Abstract

Small three-dimensional (3D) image analysis of computed tomography findings (3DX^®) can be used in dentistry to evaluate alveolar bone defects using 3D digital images with a width in the range of 40 mm and a height of 30 mm. 3DX can adjust and super impose two or more photographs. 3DX can also be easily used to measure the amount of alveolar bone defect using software, without the need for a re-entry flap operation.
A 29-year-old male with aggressive periodontal discase underwent periodontal treatment, includings periodontal regeneration. After initial treatment, 3DX^® analysis of the alveolar bone defect was used to evaluate the patients progress.
Intrabony bone defects were obsented in the upper first molar and the lower left canine. A periodontally regenerative technique was performed at both sites using a GTR membrane and Emdogein^® gel. The state of the alveolar bone defects ware then observed and the the amount of alveolar bone regeneration measured using 3 DX photography as post of the post-treatment clinical evaluation. Alveolar bone absorption had recovered in both of the treated areas 12 months after the completion of the regneration procedures. 3 DX^® photography was useful for evaluating and correctly measuring the state of complicated alveolar bone defects after periodontal regenerative treatments.