Quantification of the attachment apparatus from radiographs: a clinical research tool

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to test whether measurements made from an intraoral radiograph and applied to formula can accurately measure square millimeters of attachment apparatus encasing a tooth. Two samples of 15 and 22 alveoli were radiographed and the amount of attachment calculated by formula. Rubber base impressions of these alveoli were made and coated with wax. The coatings were carefully removed, and their outlines traced on millimeter graph paper. Thus, square millimeters of attachment were determined by direct measurement. Differences between the pairs of measurements were tested. The results show that the formula can accurately measure attachment apparatus. The relationship between one and two dimensional estimations of bone loss and the implications of the study are discussed.