This retrospective study evaluates how non-surgical treatment for gum disease affects thebone of the mandible. Gum disease (periodontitis) can lead to changes in the bonesupporting the teeth, but these changes are not always easy to detect with routineclinical examination.Previously collected clinical and radiographic data from patients with moderate andsevere gum disease (Stage II and Stage III periodontitis), as well as individuals withgingivitis, were analyzed. All participants had received standard periodontal treatmentas part of routine care. Radiographic images taken before treatment and 6 months aftertreatment were examined using fractal analysis, a method used to assess bone structure.The results of this study may help improve understanding of how periodontal treatmentinfluences bone structure and may support the use of radiographic analysis as a tool formonitoring treatment outcomes.
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to the destruction of the
supporting structures of the teeth, including alveolar bone. Assessing changes in bone
microstructure is important for understanding disease progression and treatment outcomes.
Conventional clinical parameters may not fully reflect subtle alterations in trabecular
bone architecture. Therefore, radiographic analysis methods, such as fractal analysis,
have been proposed as objective tools to evaluate bone structure.
This retrospective observational study was conducted using previously collected clinical
and radiographic data from patients treated at the Department of Periodontology, Akdeniz
University Faculty of Dentistry. The study included patients diagnosed with Stage II and
Stage III periodontitis, as well as individuals with gingivitis serving as a control
group. All participants received non-surgical periodontal therapy as part of routine
clinical care.
Periapical and panoramic radiographic images obtained at baseline and 6 months after
treatment were analyzed. Fractal dimension analysis was performed on predefined regions
of interest to assess changes in trabecular bone microstructure. In addition to
radiographic evaluation, clinical periodontal parameters, including probing pocket depth,
clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, and plaque index, were recorded.
The primary objective of the study is to evaluate changes in mandibular bone
microstructure following non-surgical periodontal therapy. Secondary objectives include
assessing the relationship between radiographic findings and clinical periodontal
parameters. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of bone response to
periodontal treatment and support the use of fractal analysis as a quantitative tool in
periodontal research and clinical practice.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Individuals aged 18 years and older
- Patients diagnosed with Stage II or Stage III periodontitis, or gingivitis
- Patients who received non-surgical periodontal therapy
- Availability of complete clinical periodontal records
- Availability of periapical and panoramic radiographs at baseline and 6 m
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients with systemic diseases affecting bone metabolism
- History of periodontal treatment within the last 6 months
- Use of medications affecting bone metabolism
- Pregnant or lactating individuals
- Poor quality or missing radiographic records
Akdeniz University Faculty of Dentistry
Antalya, KONYAALTI, Turkey (Türkiye)
Not Provided