DENTISTRY
• Furcation involvement stage 2 ( F2 ) exists when a periodontal probe extends more than half way under the crown of a multirooted tooth with attachment loss but not does not exit on the other side ( is not through-and-through ). The undermined furcation is occluded by gingiva or bone on one side . The lesion is essentially a cul-de-sac ( Figures 4B and 4C ).
Figure 3D . A follow-up radiograph four months after treatment revealing decreased periapical lucency consistent with resolving
disease .
Furcation disease is classified into three stages :
• Furcation involvement stage 1 ( F1 ) is diagnosed when a periodontal probe extends less than half way under the crown in any direction of a multirooted tooth with attachment loss . A portion of alveolar bone and periodontal ligament is intact at the furcation ( Figure 4A ).
Figure 4B . A periodontal probe extending more than half way into the furcation buccally but not exiting palatally
Figure 4C . A radiograph revealing minimal lucency in the furcation area .
Figure 4A . A periodontal probe extending 3 mm into the right mandibular second premolar furcation .
Treatment of F1 involvement includes thorough dental scaling using a curette as well as ultrasonic cleaning , root planing , polishing and irrigation . Twicedaily plaque control using a toothbrush , dental wipes , cotton-tipped applicators and oral health products help decrease the rate of periodontal disease progression in the furcation .
Treatment is similar to F1 involvement with the addition of root planing and consideration of guided tissue generation using bone graft and a physical barrier to prevent epithelial migration into the furcation area . This intervention allows bone migration , differentiation and maturation in the area .
• Furcation exposure stage 3 ( F3 ) exists when a periodontal probe extends under the crown of a multirooted tooth , through-and-through from one side of the furcation to the other . The periodontium is destroyed to such a degree that the furcation is open and exposed . An explorer can easily pass from side to side ( Figures 4D-4F ).
Issue 05 | FEBRUARY 2017 | 33