Background: This retrospective study assessed the effect of non-surgical and surgical mechanical therapy for furcation-involved molars.
Methods: Furcation defects treated and followed for at least 1 year were selected. Data relative to the clinical outcomes were recorded. The immediate (3- to 6-month) clinical outcomes and the long-term survival of the treated molars were assessed. The potential variables influencing the treatment outcomes through multi-level regression analysis, and Cox Proportional-Hazards Models were also analyzed.
Results: One hundred and eighty-four molars were included with an average follow-up of 7.52 years. At the 3- to 6-month re-evaluation 1.39 ± 0.99 mm pocket depth reduction, 0.88 ± 1.29 mm clinical attachment gain, and a 0.51 ± 1.13 mm increase in recession was observed. The 5- and 10-year survival rates were 88.3% and 61.3%, respectively. The horizontal and vertical extent of furcation involvement, baseline probing depth, mucoperiosteal flap elevation, and the frequency of supportive periodontal therapy influenced the clinical outcomes and tooth survival.
Conclusion: Non-surgical and surgical mechanical root debridement is a viable treatment for the management of furcation involved molars with shallow horizontal and vertical components.
Keywords: furcation defect; molar; periodontitis; supportive periodontal therapy; tooth loss.
© 2021 American Academy of Periodontology.