A controlled study on the diagnostic accuracy of panoramic and peri-apical radiography for detecting furcation involvement

Abstract Background The aims of this study were (1) to determine the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity panoramic peri-apical radiographs in diagnosing furcation involvement, as well (2) evaluate possible impact clinical experience on these diagnostic parameters. Methods An existing radiographic dataset periodontitis patients requiring implant surgery was retrospectively examined for involvement. Criteria inclusion presence a CBCT, radiograph site interest within one-year time frame. All sites classified using which considered gold standard, according Hamp’s index (1975). Ten experienced examiners 10 trainees asked assess involvement same defects only corresponding radiographs. Absolute agreement, Cohen’s weighted kappa, ROC-curves analyzed. Results sample included 60 29 multi-rooted teeth from 17 patients. On average, 20/60 furcations correctly radiographs, kappa score 0.209, indicating slight agreement. Similarly, an average 19/60 0.211, also No significant difference between radiography found ( P = 0.903). When recategorizing FI Grades into ‘no limited FI’ (FI Grade 0 I) ‘advanced II III), showed low sensitivity (0.558 0.441, respectively), yet high (0.791 0.790, respectively) identifying advanced FI. 0.79 0.69 respectively. periodontists 0.257 versus 0.880). Conclusion Panoramic are relevant tools diagnosis provide specificity. Ideally, they best used combination with probing, shows sensitivity. Furthermore, does not seem improve accuracy radiological sites. Trial registration Patient datasets