What type of radiographs are most useful in periodontal assessment?

Periapical and bitewing radiographs are the most useful types of imaging in periodontal assessment because they provide detailed views of the specific areas of interest in the teeth and surrounding bone. Periapical radiographs capture the entire tooth, from the crown to the root, allowing for assessment of the periodontal structures and any potential root-related issues.

Bitewing radiographs, on the other hand, allow for visualization of interproximal areas of adjacent teeth, which is critical in detecting caries and evaluating periodontal bone levels. Together, these radiographs can effectively reveal bone loss, the height of the alveolar bone, and other periodontal conditions, allowing practitioners to assess the health of the periodontium accurately.

Other types of imaging, while useful in different contexts, do not offer the same level of detail specifically for periodontal assessment. For instance, panoramic radiographs provide a broad overview of the entire mouth but lack the detail necessary to evaluate the periodontal condition in specific areas. Cone-beam computed tomography can be useful for complicated cases but is not typically used as the first line for routine periodontal assessment due to its relative availability and cost. Cephalometric radiographs, mainly used in orthodontics, do not focus on periodontal evaluation at all.