Bone Loss in Furcation-involved Mandibular Molars: A Retrospective Analysis

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine whether teeth with furcation involvement lose significantly more bone in furcation sites over time than interproximal sites of the same tooth.Methods: Existing radiographs were analyzed to compare the rate of bone loss between furcation and interproximal sites of the same tooth. Selection criteria included mandibular molars with furcation involvement and a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Using ImageJ software, anatomical landmarks were located and measured corono-apically.Results: Bone level change over time averaged 4.22 % ± 2.49 for interproximal sites and 4.55% ± 2.84 for furcation sites. Significant difference in bone loss was noted in furcation sites between compliant (a minimum of one periodontal maintenance appointments per year) and non-compliant (fewer than one periodontal maintenance appointments per year) sub-groups. No other sub-group variables were associated with significant bone loss.Conclusion: There were no significant differences in bone loss between furcation sites and interproximal sites of the same tooth. Compliant patients lost significantly less bone in furcation sites than non-compliant patients. Periodontal maintenance therapy may provide more effective debridement for mandibular molars that exhibit radiographic furcation bone loss than previously thought. Clinicians are encouraged to expand and explore a non-surgical approach for maintaining multi-rooted teeth with furcation involvement.