Furcation
Pronunciation: fur-KAY-shun
The anatomical area where the roots of a multi-rooted tooth diverge from the main trunk of the root, and a clinical assessment of bone loss in that region.
Full Definition
Furcation refers both to the anatomical bifurcation or trifurcation point of multi-rooted teeth and to the clinical classification of bone loss in that region as a measure of periodontal disease severity. Furcation involvement is graded using systems such as the Glickman or Hamp classifications (Class I–III), which are commonly documented in periodontal charting and specialist referral letters. Editors reviewing periodontal records should ensure the term is not confused with 'bifurcation' (a generic anatomical term) and that any numeric classification is consistently applied throughout a document.
Usage
Usage note: When recording classification numerals, confirm whether Roman or Arabic numerals are used consistently across the document.
In Context
- "Charting revealed Class II furcation involvement on the mesial of the lower left first molar." — Periodontal assessment chart
- "The referral letter described advanced furcation defects requiring specialist management." — Specialist referral letter