Clinical and Radiographic Parameters for Early Periodontitis Diagnosis: A Comparative Study

Background/ Early periodontitis diagnosis is challenging due to varying staging and grading systems. While clinical parameters like bleeding on probing (BoP) and pocket depth (PD) are commonly used, periapical radiographs provide valuable information about bone loss and periodontal ligament changes. However, a clear definition of early periodontitis, particularly regarding alveolar bone crest changes, remains elusive. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 21 participants aged 20-30 with clinical signs of periodontitis and radiographic evidence of alveolar bone changes and periodontal ligament widening. Four dentists assessed 40 cases for BoP, 40 for PD, and 40 for periapical radiographs. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that the pocket depth measurement was the most significant factor in diagnosing early periodontitis (Fisher's exact test, p-value = 0.000). Additionally, the irregularity of the alveolar crest proved to be a significant marker compared to periodontal ligament width (Fisher's exact test, p-value = 0.000). A Kendall Tau_b test (p-value = 0.000, r = 1.000) confirmed pocket depth to be the most influential parameter among the assessed factors. Conclusions: While this study highlights the importance of clinical and radiographic assessments in early periodontitis detection, integrating these findings into a definitive diagnosis can be complex. The standardization of diagnostic techniques and the development of advanced radiographic interpretation methods are crucial to improve accuracy. Further research is needed to refine diagnostic criteria and explore additional tests for early periodontitis detection.