Relationship between the radiographic periodontal defect angle and healing after treatment

This study radiographically evaluated the correlation between the changes in alveolar bone level occurring in bony defects after periodontal therapy and the corresponding pretreatment defect angles. The defect angle was defined by the bony defect surface and the root surface. The changes were determined from identically exposed and processed radiographs obtained just prior to surgery and 15 to 18 months later. The defect angle was clearly correlated to the radiographic changes in alveolar bone level. Most defects with an angle less than 45 degree showed a gain of bone while defects with the largest defect angles showed a loss. In addition, defects on root surfaces without furcations showed better healing than defects associated with furcations.