Furcation Flashcards
Definition of furcation
Loss of periodontal attachment and bone in the root separation area of multirooted teeth due to progression of periodontitis
Why are furcations important to be aware of?
Plaque retentive factors - more difficult to clean for the patient
Accessary canals in the furcation region are frequent are might represent a communication pathway between …………. and ………… pathologies
Endodontic
periodontal
What type of probe is used for furcation?
Nabers probe
How do we probe maxillary furcation?
Buccal entrance
Mesial entrance
Distal entrance
Mesial-distal entrance
(As 3 roots on maxillary teeth)
How do we probe mandibular furcation?
Buccal entrance
Lingual entrance
(As only 2 roots on mandibular teeth)
How can we radiographically see furcation
radiolucency in root separation area (triangular shadow)
Degree I furcation diagnosis
horizontal loss of periodontal support up to 3mm
Degree II furcation diagnosis
horizontal loss of periodontal support more than 3mm but not through
Degree III furcation diagnosis
through and through loss of periodontal support
Degree IV furcation diagnosis
through and through loss of periodontal support and furcation is clinically visible showing tissue recession
What does each band on the nabers probe measure?
3mm
Treatment for degree I furcation
Non-surgical therapy followed by supportive periodontal therapy
Treatment for degree II furcation
Regeneration or supportive periodontal therapy, access flap or resection/tunelling
Treatment for degree III furcation
possibly first option resection/tunelling, supportive periodontal therapy, access flap or extraction
List 4 aims of therapy for furcations
- reduce periodontal inflammation
- reduce progression risk
- maintain the tooth function
- improve quality of life for the patient
As furcations can be difficult to clean and remove all calculus what is best to use to provide better access for debridement of furcation areas?
Finer tips for USS and curettes, angulated tips
3 aims for regenerative therapy for furcations
- furcation closure
- reduction of furcation degree
- increase periodontal attachment levels/vertical bone levels
What is the main aim for tunnelling
create access - open up for ease of cleaning to improve OH
What is the main aim of resective therapy
Elimination of furcated area through extraction of 1 or more roots or root separation
