Relationship between periodontal furcation involvement and molar cervical enamel projections

A total of 78 individuals ages 21 to 61 years with periodontal furcation involvement was examined for the presence of cervical enamel projections on the buccal surfaces of molar teeth. The furcal defects and cervical enamel projections (CEPs) of molars were diagnosed by probing, periapical roentgenographs, flap operation and inspection. Plaque index (PlI) and gingival index (GI) were recorded for the buccal and lingual surfaces of molars examined. The percentage of CEPs in the 78 individuals examined was 67.9%. The prevalence of CEPs in all molars examined was 45.2%. The prevalence of CEPs in molars with and without furcal involvements were 82.5% and 17.5%, respectively. The frequency of CEP in molars occurred in the following order: mandibular first molars, maxillary first molars, mandibular second molars and maxillary second molars. Statistical analyses (Chi-square test) revealed a significant difference between periodontal furcation involvements and the presence of CEPs. Results of this study also indicated that the furcal involvements with CEPs were associated with poor oral hygiene as measured by GI and PlI.