Furcation Defect
Pronunciation: fur-KAY-shun DEF-ekt
Pathological bone loss in the area between the roots of a multi-rooted tooth where they diverge from the root trunk.
Full Definition
A furcation defect is the loss of periodontal support, specifically bone and attachment, in the interradicular (furcation) area of multi-rooted teeth—most commonly mandibular molars and maxillary molars. Defects are classified by severity using the Hamp classification (Class I, II, III) or the Glickman classification, based on the horizontal depth of involvement. In dental research manuscripts, editors must ensure the classification system is named and consistently applied, and that furcation defect is not used synonymously with furcation involvement (a clinical finding) or furcation bifurcation (anatomical description). Furcation defects are a significant predictor of tooth loss in periodontal studies.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the classification system used (e.g., Hamp, Glickman, Tarnow & Fletcher) when reporting furcation defect grades, as systems differ in criteria.
In Context
- "Teeth with Class III furcation defects were excluded from the study owing to the poor prognosis associated with this presentation." — Periodontal clinical trial inclusion/exclusion criteria
- "The Hamp classification was used to grade furcation defects at baseline." — Periodontal research methods section