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

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. 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. 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. 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.