What is furcation involvement in periodontitis?

Furcation involvement refers specifically to the bone loss that occurs around the roots of multi-rooted teeth, which is a critical factor in periodontitis. As periodontal disease progresses, the supporting bone structures become compromised, allowing for the development of defects at the furcation area, where the roots diverge. This condition can significantly affect the stability of the tooth and poses treatment challenges, as access to clean and maintain the area becomes difficult.

In multi-rooted teeth, furcation involvement can lead to potential tooth loss if not properly managed because the structural integrity is compromised due to the loss of bone support. Understanding furcation involvement is crucial for dental professionals in diagnosing the extent of periodontal disease and determining appropriate treatment strategies to preserve the affected teeth.