Furcation Classification Flashcards

Furcation Classification

• Class I: Curvature of concavity felt with the probe tip.
• Class II: Probe tip penetrates into the furcation but does not pass through completely.
• Class III: Probe passes completely through the furcation.
• Class IV: Probe passes through the furcation and entrance is visibly clear.

Furcation Access

• Mandibular (MD) molars have access points on buccal and lingual sides.
• Maxillary (MX) molars have access on median, distal, and facial surfaces.
• Maxillary first premolars have access on mesial and distal, as well as buccal and palatal roots.

Fenestration

• Defined as a "window" effect with bone loss on the facial or lingual sides of a tooth.
• Exposed root surface comes into contact with gingiva or alveolar mucosa.
• Distinguished from dehiscence by being bordered by alveolar bone at the coronal aspect.

Dehiscence

• Known as a "door," characterized by loss of alveolar bone on the facial side (rarely lingual).
• Creates an oval, root-exposed defect from the cementoenamel junction downwards.
• Defect size varies from one to two millimeters to the full length of the root.
• Key features include gingival recession, alveolar bone loss, and root exposure.

Test your knowledge on furcation classification with this set of informative flashcards. Each card presents a different class of furcation along with its definition to enhance your understanding of dental anatomy and periodontal conditions.