Reliability of an indirect bone-probing method for diagnosis of labial bone crest level of the mandibular anterior teeth.

Abstract

To evaluate the null hypothesis that there would be no difference between the labial bone crest level of the mandibular anterior teeth evaluated with an indirect bone-probing method (IBP) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Twenty-nine adult patients with a mean age of 32.15 ± 8.75 years were enrolled. An IBP based on indirect tactile perception was used to determine the labial bone crest level of the mandibular anterior teeth clinically. Bone crest perception degree, gingival thickness, and patient discomfort during IBP were also recorded. CBCT scans were used to evaluate the level and thickness of the labial bone crest. IBP and CBCT methods were compared statistically. The significance level was set at 5%. There was a significant difference between the labial bone crest level diagnosed by IBP and CBCT. However, the difference was not clinically significant. IBP and CBCT measurements were significantly and strongly correlated (R = 0.74). Thinner gingival tissue was associated with a higher perception of bone crest. Only two patients reported mild to moderate discomfort during IBP. IBP allowed the labial bone crest level to be determined with acceptable clinical accuracy, especially in patients with thinner gingival tissue.