Imaging Recommendations for Periodontal Disease

For patients with periodontal disease, the frequency of radiographic imaging depends on clinical findings and treatment response.^1,3,74

Prior to periodontal treatment, radiographic documentation of disease sites is important for diagnosis, baseline documentation, and treatment planning.^1,3,74

Radiographic evidence of the presence and severity of bone loss is not indicative of active periodontal disease.^1,3,74

A full mouth intraoral survey with vertical bitewing radiographs as necessary is recommended following a comprehensive clinical examination of the patient.^1,3,74

Generally, management of periodontal disease does not warrant CBCT imaging, but it may be indicated to treatment plan complex cases.^1,3,74

Vertical bitewing radiographs (Figure 7) are recommended to assess bone levels in the permanent dentition of patients with a history of or active periodontal disease.^1,3,74