The relationship of interradicular width and alveolar bone loss. A radiometric study of a periodontitis population.

Contrasting data exist on the relationship between interproximal width and loss of marginal bone in a periodontitis susceptible population. Reports of clinical observations suggest that the prognosis of teeth with minimal interradicular width should be downgraded in periodontal patients. Others indicate a higher prevalence of intrabony lesions in wider interproximal spaces. Radiographs of 114 adult patients with evidence of bone loss consistent with periodontitis were examined. Measurements of interradicular width and the location of the bone margin from the cementoenamel junction were made at 811 interproximal sites using an optical digitizer at 3X magnification. The relationship between bone loss and interradicular width was investigated. The results indicate that as the interradicular width increases, the interproximal bone margin tends to be in a more apical location. No findings supported the contention that bone in a narrow interradicular space is at greater risk in patients who have had periodontitis.