The accuracy and reliability of digital measurements of gingival recession versus conventional methods
Abstract
Background
An apical shift in the
position of the gingiva beyond the cemento-enamel junction leads to
gingival recession. This study aimed to evaluate the reproducibility of
digital measurements of gingival recession when compared to conventional
measurements taken clinically using periodontal probes.
Methods
Gingival recession was
measured at 97 sites in the oral cavity by four examiners using the
following methods: CP, direct measurement of gingival recession using
William’s periodontal probe intraorally; CC, measurements on cast models
using a caliper; DP, digital measurement on virtual models obtained by
intraoral scanning, and DC, digital measurements on virtual models of
dental casts. Intra-class and inter-rater correlations were analyzed.
Bland Altman plots were drawn to visually determine the magnitude of
differences in any given pair-wise measurements.
Results
In this study, good
inter-methods reliability was observed for almost all the examiners
ranging from 0.907 to 0.918, except for one examiner (0.837). The
greatest disagreements between the raters were observed for methods; CP
(0.631) followed by CC (0.85), while the best agreements were observed
for methods DP (0.9) followed by DC (0.872).
Conclusion
Variations in measurements
between examiners can be reduced by using digital technologies when
compared to conventional methods. Improved reproducibility of
measurements obtained via intraoral scanning will increase the validity
and reliability of future studies that compare different treatment
modalities for root coverage.
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