[Application of digital technique in the diagnosis of periodontal diseases and in surgical planning].

Imaging techniques play a primary role in the assessment of the severity of periodontal diseases. However, X-rays are often insufficient to reveal their real nature and extent. One of the most difficult questions to decide is the exact shape and extent of the bony defect, as it undoubtedly poses a major impact on our choice of therapy. CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) images show the nature of the defect with high accuracy. The three-dimensional (3D) view allows us to examine not only the slices corresponding to the planes, however, their quality and usability is often unsatisfactory. One option for better visualization and analysis is the 3D model, which is created with the help of CBCT and segmentation. Here, the segmented elements (alveolar bone, teeth, defect and other anatomical structures, etc.) appear as real 3D objects and their size, shape and relative position can be examined much better than with the aforementioned diagnostic tools. It gives a preliminary view of the defect, the number of existing bony walls, and allows us to select the most appropriate treatment. Our aim is to demonstrate the role of this method (segmentation) in periodontal surgery through a case presentation. The method has already been used in many other fields of medicine. Its continuous improvement and comprehensive fields of application make it promising in the future and it might open a new horizon in diagnostic imaging.