Factors associated with furcation involvement and fixed prostheses: A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Dental Prosthetics
• Radiology

Background:

• Furcation involvement (FI) is a complex periodontal issue affecting tooth prognosis.
• Fixed prostheses (FP) may influence the progression or presentation of FI.
• Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers detailed insights into dental anatomy and pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between horizontal and vertical furcation involvement (FI) and the presence of single-unit fixed prostheses (FP).
• To identify patient- and tooth-level factors associated with FI.
• To develop a predictive model for furcation involvement.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 79 adult patients (200 teeth) requiring CBCT analysis were categorized based on FP presence.
• Analysis included patient factors (smoking, diabetes, periodontal severity) and tooth factors (root trunk length, probing depth, bone levels).
• A predictive model for FI was developed using logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Fixed prostheses showed a strong association with FI (OR=12.8, p<0.001).
• Periodontitis (OR=10.9, p=0.006), buccal furcation site (OR=5.70, p<0.001), and probing depth (OR=1.90, p=0.027) were significant predictors of FI.
• FP placement increased interproximal bone distance (IPBD) by 1.08 mm (p<0.001).
• The predictive model achieved 92.9% sensitivity and 66.7% specificity for FI.

Conclusions:

• Fixed prostheses significantly influence furcation involvement, particularly in patients with periodontitis.
• Periodontitis stage, probing depth, and the buccal furcation site are key contributors to FI.
• The high sensitivity of the predictive model underscores the importance of these factors in treatment planning and periodontal therapy.