Furcation Probe
Pronunciation: NAY-berz probe
A curved, blunt-ended instrument specifically designed to detect and classify the extent of bone loss within the furcation area of multi-rooted teeth.
Full Definition
A furcation probe, such as the Nabers probe, has a curved shank calibrated in millimetres to allow the clinician to assess horizontal bone loss in the area where the roots of multi-rooted teeth divide. The degree of furcation involvement is classified (commonly as Class I–III or Grade A–C under the 2017 AAP/EFP classification) based on how far the probe can be inserted horizontally into the furcation. Editors should note that 'Nabers probe' (capitalised, as a proprietary eponym) and 'furcation probe' are distinct from a standard periodontal probe; conflating the two misrepresents the clinical instrument. The instrument name 'Nabers' is frequently misspelled as 'Nabors'.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalise 'Nabers' as a proper name. Do not use 'furcation probe' and 'periodontal probe' interchangeably; they are distinct instruments with different geometries and purposes.
In Context
- "A Nabers furcation probe was used to confirm Class II furcation involvement on the maxillary left first molar." — Periodontal assessment record
- "Ensure 'Nabers' is capitalised throughout the equipment list; it appears in lowercase on page 14." — Proofreading annotation