Hemalatha DM¹*, Anil Melath², Subair K³, Fathimath Shahaza⁴ and Fathima Shadaliya P⁴

¹Associate Professor, Department of Periodontics, Mahe Institute of Dental Sciences, Chalakkara, Mahe-673310, India
²Professor and HOD, Department of Periodontics, Mahe Institute of Dental Sciences, Chalakkara, Mahe-673310, India
³Professor, Department of Periodontics, Mahe Institute of Dental Sciences, Chalakkara, Mahe-673310, India
⁴Third Year Student, Mahe Institute of Dental Sciences, Chalakkara, Mahe-673310, India

*Corresponding Author: Hemalatha DM, Associate Professor, Department of Periodontics, Mahe Institute of Dental Sciences, Chalakkara, Mahe- 673310, India.

Received: March 11, 2026; Published: May 31, 2026

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential for effective treatment planning, prevention of disease progression, and long-term tooth preservation. While clinical examination remains fundamental in periodontal assessment, radiographic evaluation plays a crucial complementary role by providing essential information regarding the extent, pattern, and severity of alveolar bone loss—one of the key hallmarks of periodontitis. This article reviews the role of radiographic diagnosis in periodontal disease, highlighting conventional imaging modalities such as intraoral periapical, bitewing, full-mouth radiographic surveys, and panoramic radiographs, along with advanced imaging techniques including digital radiography, digital subtraction radiography, cone beam computed tomography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Radiographic features associated with periodontitis, trauma from occlusion, and periodontal and periapical abscesses are discussed to emphasize their diagnostic relevance. In addition, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence–assisted image analysis, ultra-low- dose CBCT, optical coherence tomography, and ultrasound imaging are explored as future directions in periodontal diagnosis. The integration of radiographic findings with clinical and biological parameters remains essential for accurate diagnosis, improved treatment outcomes, and personalized periodontal care.

Keywords: Periodontal Disease; Radiographic Diagnosis; Alveolar Bone Loss; Intraoral Radiography; Bitewing Radiographs; Cone Beam Computed Tomography; Digital Radiography; Periodontitis; Advanced Imaging Techniques; Artificial Intelligence in Periodontics

Citation

Citation: Hemalatha DM., et al. “Periodontal Diagnosis through a Radiographic Lens". Acta Scientific Dental Sciences 10.6 (2026): 29-36.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2026 Hemalatha DM., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.