Dental Anatomy: Furcation Involvement Quiz

Describes furcation involvement based on the horizontal extent of bone loss. Class 1: <3mm loss; Class 2: 3mm+ loss, not through and through; Class 3: Through and through defect.

A further subclassification of furcation lesions that incorporates vertical bone loss. A: 1-3mm vertical invasion; B: 4-6mm vertical invasion; C: >7mm vertical invasion.

The point where the root divides into two or more branches. This is a vulnerable area for periodontal disease because of its complex anatomy.

The area where the crown of the tooth meets the root. This is used as a reference point for measuring vertical bone loss.

The area of the furcation closest to the crown. This is used as a reference point for measuring vertical bone loss.

A special type of probe used to assess furcation involvement. It has a specific action to be used for depths over 4mm to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.

The presence of furcation involvement, meaning the bone between the roots has been lost.

The vertical height of the remaining bone supporting a tooth. A metric used to assess severity and prognosis in furcation lesions.

A straight probe can't accurately assess a furcation because it follows the curved course of the roots.

In maxillary molars, the mesial furcation is located closer to the palatal root, making it reachable from the palatal side.

In maxillary molars, the distal furcation can be accessed from either the buccal or palatal aspects.

The buccal entrance of maxillary molars is generally easier to reach than the mesial or distal entrances, especially if a wide contact point exists.

In lower molars, the furcation entrances are more accessible than in upper molars and can sometimes be reached with an explorer or curette.

Class III furcations, where bone is not attached to the furcation dome, might be filled with soft tissue, making it difficult for full probing.

Combine the measurements of horizontal buccal and lingual probing depths to determine if a Class III furcation exists. If the combined depth is greater than or equal to the tooth dimension, it indicates a Class III furcation.

A radiolucent area in the furcation area of a tooth caused by pulpal necrosis, lateral canals, or root fractures.

A common occurrence, affecting a significant percentage of molars, these canals provide a pathway for infection to spread from the pulp to the periodontal tissues.

The process by which pulpal inflammation can travel through furcation accessory canals to cause periodontal lesions in the absence of traditional periodontal disease.

Evaluating the tooth's response to stimuli such as tapping or cold testing, as well as reviewing previous radiographs to assess any changes in the furcation area or evidence of perforation.

A crucial aspect of diagnosing periodontal-endodontic lesions, as occlusal forces can impact the severity and progression of the lesion.

Having furcation involvement significantly increases the risk of tooth loss, especially in molars, with the severity impacting the prognosis.

Despite the increased risk, proper periodontal management including supportive therapy can maintain molars with furcation involvement for a reasonable duration.

This subclassification helps determine the severity of furcation involvement based on the amount of vertical bone loss remaining.

The vertical extent of bone loss in a furcation lesion, classified as A (1-3mm), B (4-6mm), or C (>7mm) based on the measured distance from the furcation fornix to the coronal, middle, or apical third of the root, respectively.

Describes the extent of bone loss in furcation involvement. Class I: <3mm loss; Class II: 3mm+ loss, not through and through; Class III: Through and through defect.

Non-surgical periodontal treatment, including scaling and root planing (SRP), is effective in managing Grade I furcation involvement.

The survival rate of Grade I furcation involved molars treated non-surgically is over 90% after 5–9 years. This suggests a favorable prognosis for Grade I furcation involvement with effective treatment.

Molars with Class II and Class III furcation lesions often have deep pockets and require professional periodontal treatment for effective management and to prevent tooth loss.

Periodic review and monitoring are essential for patients with furcation involvement, especially those with Class II and III lesions, as they are more likely to experience tooth loss.

Surgical treatment options for furcation involvement include flap surgery, bone grafts, and root resection. The choice depends on the severity and specific characteristics of the lesion.