Purpose: The aim of this retrospective follow-up study was to verify the distance between the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and the alveolar bone crest (ABC) in bitewing radiographs.
Methods: Radiographs were digitized and divided into groups by: age, proximal crown surface status (sound→sound and unsound→unsound), tooth, and timing of radiograph. The CEJ-ABC distances were measured on the distal surface of the first primary molar and/or the mesial surface of the second lower primary molar, using the Image Tool software.
Results: The results revealed interactions between the following variables: timing of radiograph-age, age-tooth, timing of radiograph - proximal crown surface status and age- proximal crown surface status. It has been detected that CEJ-ABC distances have significantly increased with time, particularly in terms of assessment of primary lower first molars. However, this increase is greater in unsound when compared to sound surfaces.
Conclusion: This study suggests that an increase in the CEJ-ABC distance is directly associated with aging in a normal periodontium in the primary dentition and that the presence of unsound surfaces can be a risk indicator for the development of alveolar bone loss.