Development of a correction coefficient for radiographic evaluation of the alveolar bone crest: a pilot study

To analyze the differences in cusp height on radiographs, establishing proportional relationships between cusp and alveolar bone crest (ABC) measurements. The goal of this study was to develop a correction coefficient by considering this proportion.

Twenty-one artificial teeth, molars and premolars, and bovine ribs were used. Interproximal radiographs were taken with the aid of a positioner. The vertical angles used were: 0°, + 5°, and + 10°, and processed using three spatial resolutions measured in line pairs per mm (lp/mm): 20, 25 and 40. The Perio filter was applied to each image, in addition to the original one. Combinations of angle, resolution, and filter were made. Eighteen images were analyzed by three specialists, resulting in 252 measurements for each evaluator, totaling 756 measurements.

The overall variability of the measurements can be explained mainly by the variation in tooth anatomy. The 0° 25 lp/mm Perio filter method was the closest one to the actual clinical scenario for both cusps and ABC. The correction factor managed to explain 71.45% of the errors.

The variation in vertical angulation interferes with cusp and ABC measurements, and the angulation at 0º and spatial resolution of 25 lp/mm showed better results. The use of correction coefficients allowed approaching actual measurement values.

More accurate ABC height measurements are essential even in radiographic exams that do not meet the standard of excellence because the need to repeat radiographic exams is then eliminated.