FURCATION: The anatomic area of a multirooted tooth where the roots diverge

The anatomic area of a multirooted tooth where the roots diverge. A furcation involvement refers to loss of periodontal support in a furcation (ADA, 2016).

The Glickman Classification of Tooth Furcation Grading (Sims, 2015):

Grade I: 

o Incipient 

o Just barely detectable with examination hand instruments 

o No horizontal component of the furcation is evident on probing

PATREON: Find publications from 2021, the most recent in our virtual library for the entire dental community. The best selection of articles in PDF and Clinical Cases so that you keep up to date with the latest in the profession.

Grade II: 

o Early bone loss 

o Examination hand instrument goes partially into the furcation, but not all the way through 

o Furcation may be grade II on both sides of the tooth, but are not connected 

Grade III: 

o Advanced bone loss 

o Examination hand instrument goes all the way through furcation, to other side of tooth 

o Furcation is through-and-through

Grade IV: 

o Through-and-through, plus furcation is clinically visible due to gingival recession.