Fractal Analysis Method in Periodontal Disease

Evaluation of Trabecular Bone Changes in Individuals With Periodontal Disease Using Fractal Analysis

In this study, the effects of periodontal disease on alveolar bone were investigated using fractal analysis method.

Background: It is very difficult to objectively evaluate the negative changes in bone structure due to periodontitis. The present study was aimed to evaluate the trabecular bone changes between healthy individuals and periodontitis patients by fractal dimension analysis on digital panoramic radiographs.

Method: The study included 50 periodontally healthy individuals (control group), 50 individuals with Stage 1 periodontitis (S1-P group), 50 individuals with Stage 2 periodontitis (S2-P), and 50 individuals with Stage 3 periodontitis (S3-P), a total of 200 individuals were included. The fractal dimension (FD) value of the trabecular bone in the interproximal space between mandibular first molar and second premolar tooth roots was evaluated using Image J program. The mean fractal dimension values of the two regions were calculated by box counting method.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-65 years old
• Getting a diagnosis of stage 1,2 and 3 periodontitis
• Be diagnosed as periodontally healthy
• Have no barriers to obtaining radiographs
• Not having any systemic disease that may affect periodontal status
• Not smoking and alcohol use
• Volunteer to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those who use drugs that can affect bone metabolism
• Radiographs with poor diagnostic quality
• Root canal treatment or teeth with periapical lesions in the area of interest
• Individuals who have suffered a fracture or trauma that affects the anatomy or integrity