Furcation involvement in molars — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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ModeratePeriodontologyFurcation involvement in molarsORE Part 1

A 55-year-old patient with periodontitis has a mandibular first molar with a 6 mm buccal probing pocket depth and suspected furcation involvement. The tooth is vital, and a periapical radiograph shows horizontal bone loss. The treatment plan depends on the severity of furcation involvement. Which investigation is most appropriate?

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Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Nabers probe examination

Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · D = shown as B · A = shown as C · E = shown as D · C = shown as E

C is correct. Furcation involvement in a multirooted tooth is assessed clinically with a furcation (Nabers) probe, which permits grading of the horizontal extent of involvement and therefore informs prognosis and treatment planning. The periapical radiograph provides useful information about bone support and root anatomy, but it supplements rather than substitutes for clinical furcation assessment. Pulp sensibility testing is not indicated because the tooth is already known to be vital and does not assess the furcation. Transillumination investigates possible cracks, whereas sialography and patch testing address salivary-duct disease and contact allergy respectively; neither evaluates periodontal furcation involvement.

Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP), Prevention and Treatment of Periodontal Diseases in Primary Care, “Periodontal parameters” (current): https://periodontalcare.sdcep.org.uk/guidance/assessment/special-tests/full-periodontal-examination/what-should-be-recorded/periodontal-parameters/