Accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography to assess the configuration and extent of ligature-induced peri-implantitis defects. A pilot study.

Abstract

PURPOSE: This is a pilot study which aims to evaluate the accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to assess the configuration and extent of ligature-induced peri-implantitis defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographic evaluation of advanced ligature-induced peri-implantitis defects (n = 9) in canine was performed using CBCT (central cross-sections) and compared with the corresponding histomorphometrical measurements of the respective site serving as a validation method. Deviations were calculated for the supracrestal (SC), and intrabony (IC) defect components, as well as defect width (DW) assessed at both vestibular (v) and oral (o) aspects. RESULTS: Mean differences between CBCT and histological analyses were -0.53 ± 1.48 mm (SC), +0.49 ± 1.18 mm (IC), and +0.18 ± 0.54 mm (DW) at vestibular aspects, and -0.13 ± 0.44 mm (SC), -0.05 ± 0.62 mm (IC), and +0.15 ± 0.48 mm (DW) at the oral aspects (P > 0.05; paired t test, respectively). CONCLUSION: CBCT may represent an accurate diagnostic tool to estimate the histological extent of advanced peri-implantitis defects.