Implication of cervical enamel projection to furcation involvement in molars. A pilot clinical study

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of cervical enamel projection (CEP) with furcation involvement (FI) and compare the healing response of molars with or without CEP after surgery. A total of 30 patients contributing 78 maxillary and mandibular first or second molars were included. Plaque Index (PII), Gingival Index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD) and probing attachment level (PAL) were measured before surgery and 1 and 3 or 6 months postoperatively. During surgery, CEPs were identified and classified with a modified grading system from Masters & Hoskins (24). FI was measured horizontally from the buccal aspect into the furcation with a graduated probe to the nearest mm. Any measurement > or = 1 mm was considered as FI. CEPs were found in 33 molars (42%). Grade III CEPs were found in 14 teeth, Grade IIIb in 4 teeth, Grade II in 1 tooth and Grade I in 14 teeth. The results showed no significant correlation of CEP with FI. Nor was CEP significantly affecting the PPD and PAL 3 or 6 months after surgery. However, FI was a significant factor in the further loss of PAL after surgery. Further studies, involving larger sample size may be necessary in order to give more conclusive results.