Furcation Management

Question 1

Why is furcation a problem?

Answer 1

Access -> buildup of calculus

Question 2

How is furcation clinically diagnosed?

Answer 2

Probing

Question 3

What is the grading system for furcation diagnosis?

Answer 3

I. Up to 3mm horizontal attachment loss

II. >3mm horizontal AL but not through and through

III. Through and through

Question 4

How are furcations managed?

Answer 4

Repair = non-surgical debridement, surgical debridement

Regenerate = GTR, bone graft

Eliminate = tunnel preparation, root resection, hemisection, extr

Palliative = supportive care

Question 5

Decribe the procedure for surgical debridement

Answer 5

1. Flap design
2. Flap retracted
3. Debridement
4. Tunnel prep may be a choice (enlarge furcation)
5. Close flap and suture

Question 6

What are the indications for periodontal regeneration and why?

Answer 6

1. 2/3 walled proximal defects
2. Grade II furcations

• Good space maintenance
• Clot protection
• Other ways to treat grade I and grade III too extensive

Question 7

What are the aims of resective treatment?

Answer 7

Furcation elimination