Periodontal Furcation Strategies

Question 1

What are the aims of therapy?

Answer 1

1) Reduce periodontal inflammation
2) Reduce progression risk
3) Maintain the tooth in a functional state
4) Improve the quality of life of the patient

Question 2

What are the main ways of treating a furcation?

Answer 2

1. Non-surgical maintenance (supra and sub gingival scaling)
2. Open flap debridement
3. Resective therapy
   Hemisection
   Root resection
   Tunnel
4. Regenerative therapy
5. Extraction (possibly implant replacement)

Question 3

What are some names of manual instruments which can be used for furcation debridement?

Answer 3

Gracey tip
Nabers scaler
Diamond curette

Question 4

What are the aims of regenerative therapy?

Answer 4

1. Furcation closure
2. Reduction of furcation degree
3. Increasing periodontal attachment level and increase of vertical bone levels

Question 5

What are some options for regenerative therapy?

Answer 5

1. Guided tissue regeneration
2. Growth Factors
3. Stem cells
4. Scaffolds

Question 6

What is resective therapy for furcations?

Answer 6

Aim is to eliminate the furcation area through the extraction of one or more roots or through root separation.
This will facilitate with OH within the furcation area.
Options: root separation, root resection, root amputation