Relationship of Root Proximity with Periodontal Disease - A Clinico-Radiographic Retrospective Study

Aim: The present study was conducted with the aim to examine whether root proximity is a risk marker for periodontal disease. Introduction- Root proximity is one of the key factors that the clinician should evaluate to determine the individual tooth prognosis before periodontal treatment. Root proximity was determined as favourable when there was more than 1mm of bone between the roots and unfavourable when less than 1mm was recorded. Methodology: Total 300 individuals were included in the study. 150 patients with advanced periodontal disease with at least one mandibular molar with bone loss greater than one third of the root length and 150 controls without periodontal disease each were included. Interproximal space was assessed on the IOPA (paralleling angle) between 1st molar and 2nd molar and a score was assigned according to severity and location. Consequently, relative risk for periodontal disease was calculated with DIOGRA TM software. A two-digit classification was obtained dividing the root into three locations [apical (A), between (B) and coronal (C)] Results: In patients with advanced periodontal disease, there is more interradicular distance at apical area and less at CEJ which implies that there is more root proximity at CEJ. However, in healthy patients, there is more interradicular distance at CEJ implying lesser root proximity at CEJ. Hence root proximity can be considered as a risk marker for periodontitis. Conclusion: Root proximity can be a predisposing factor for the progression of periodontal disease. However, we should not forget about the impact of other significant factors, such as oral hygiene and the presence of plaque. Keywords: Root Proximity, Periodontal Diseases, Oral Hygiene, Plaque, CEJ