Reliability and reproducibility of linear measurements of alveolar ridges using cone beam CT performed by radiologists and periodontists

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intra and inter-examiner reliability and reproducibility of linear measurements in cone-beam tomography (CBCT) images taken by calibrated radiologists and periodontists. The alveolar ridge dimensions in selected CBCT images were measured by two calibrated radiologists and two periodontists. Intra and inter-examiner reliability was evaluated by intra-rater and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs). ICCs between the intra-and inter-examiners obtained with the different methods showed almost perfect matches. The results demonstrated high examiner reproducibility for linear parameters of alveolar ridges in CBCT images in presurgical implant site assessment. The alveolar ridge dimensions provided by the radiologists might be useful for the periodontists. The measurement in small differences in is related to the experience and skills of the examiner, inclination measurement, selection of the exact level of the alveolar crest and the ability to detect the exact anatomic borders in CBCT images.