Associations between gingivitis, pocket depths, and radiographic bone loss in interproximal areas in young adults

Fifty-five 15-yr-old Brazilian students were selected on the basis of presence or absence of radiographic bone loss. One hundred and fourteen sites were selected, representing areas with and without bone loss, with varying degrees of inflammation and pocket depths. The association between the parameters were evaluated on a site by site basis. Areas with deep pockets more often showed severe inflammation and bone loss than did areas with shallow pockets. However, deep pockets often occurred where no bone loss could be detected radiographically. In this age group clinical assessments seem to overestimate the prevalence of destructive periodontitis, and should be supplemented with radiographic examination for screening purposes and for identification of risk subjects.