Comparison of cone-beam computerized tomography and intraoral radiographs for determination of the periodontal ligament in a variable phantom.

Objectives: This in vitro study assessed the visualization quality of the periodontal ligament space in cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) compared with intraoral radiographs (CR).

Study Design: A phantom mimicking variable periodontal ligament spaces (0-0.42 mm) was radiographed using CBCT and CR. Fifteen datasets of each modality were randomly mixed and presented twice to 19 experienced examiners and once to 19 inexperienced examiners.

Results: Zero-millimeter gaps were recognized in 84.4% of CBCT and in 81.6% of CR images. On CBCT scans, gaps of 0.19 mm were identified with an accuracy of 93%-100% compared with 70.2%-81.7% using CR. Experienced examiners recognized gaps of >or=0.19 mm on CBCT repeatedly with nearly 100% accuracy.

Conclusion: Compared with CR, CBCT provides better visualization of simulated periodontal ligament space in this phantom.