furcation

Question 1

are furcations seen on radiographs a definitive diagnosis?

Answer 1

no although bone loss may have occurred around the furcation- because soft tissues are hard to see on radiographs and you must check clinically to see if they are seen due to true recession or gingival shrinkage

Question 2

what teeth should you check?

Answer 2

• upper 4,6,7,8
• lower 6,7,8

Question 3

what is used to check furcation and what is the classification of furcation?

Answer 3

Periodontal probe or explorer probe and severity based on
- hamps furcation classification

Question 4

why is it necessary to address furcation involvement?

Answer 4

• make toothbrushing harder as the area is harder to access and Clean
• furcations can have accessory canals that connect to the pulp- as their is lots of bacteria within the mouth these canals are exposed and risk bacterial invasion that could cause pulpal necrosis

Question 5

what should you always do if there is furcation involvement?

Answer 5

vitality tests once per year

regrade every 6-12 months

Question 6

how can furcation involvement be treated?

Answer 6

based on severity:
- OHI
- Scale/RSD
- furcationplasty (widen)
- tunnel prep (make grade 3 easier to clean)
- XLA