A study on the imaging of complex furcation forms in upper and lower molars.
OBJECTIVE
The form of the molar roots and their furcated region influence both the pathogenesis of periodontal destruction and therapeutic attempts.


METHODS
Using a specially-constructed measuring device, 359 1st and 2nd molars, both upper and lower, were analysed 3-dimensionally. The parameters measured were horizontal furcation concavity, height of root trunk, degree of root taper, the distance between the root prominences adjacent to the furcation entrances and the angle of root separation.


RESULTS
The mean horizontal furcation concavity in lower molars was 0.5 mm at a distance of 1 mm apical to the cemento-enamel-junction (CEJ) and 3 mm at the distance of 4 mm apical to the CEJ. The angle of root separation was between 16 degrees (lower jaw molars lingual) and 29 degrees (upper jaw molars distal). The vertical distance from root separation to CEJ averaged 3.3 mm in lower jaw molars and 4.8 mm in upper jaw molars.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings underline the variability of furcation morphology.
Plagmann
H C
HC
University of Kiel, Department of Periodontology, Germany. plagmann@konspar.uni-kiel.de
Holtorf
S
S
Kocher
T
T
D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008334:Mandible; D008437:Maxilla; D008963:Molar / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D009811:Odontometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012016:Reference Values; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000033:anatomy & histology*