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Furcation Involvement in Maxillary and Mandibular Molars
Author(s) -
Ross Ira Franklin,
Thompson Robert H.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.1980.51.8.450
Subject(s) - molar , medicine , dentistry , mandibular second molar , orthodontics , radiography , surgery
T his is a sequel to a previous study that showed that many molars with furcation involvement (F.I.) can survive in a state of health and can function efficiently and without pain for many years. This finding is at variance with the views of others who believe that the prognosis for teeth with F.I. is unfavorable. The conclusions of the present study are: (1) F.I. of molars was a common finding; it occurred much more frequently than anticipated. (2) F.I. occurred three times more frequently among maxillary molars than among mandibular molars. (3) Many molars with F.I. functioned well from 5 to 24 years. (4) Based on these findings, it is suggested that two aspects of molars with F.I. be reevaluated, i.e., their prognosis and treatment. Further it is suggested that therapy for these teeth be designed to improve their functional environment and that in many instances removal of root or bone or extraction of the tooth is not necessary. (5) F.I. was detected more frequently in maxillary molars by radiographic examination than by clinical examination. On the other hand F.I. was detected more frequently in mandibular molars by clinical examination than by radiographic examination.