Furcation Involvement
Pronunciation: fur-KAY-shun in-VOLV-ment
The extension of periodontal disease into the area where the roots of a multi-rooted tooth diverge, classified by degree of severity.
Full Definition
Furcation involvement occurs when periodontal bone loss extends into the furcation area — the zone between the roots of molar or premolar teeth. It is classified using systems such as the Hamp or Glickman classification, graded from Class I (slight horizontal bone loss) to Class III (complete through-and-through bone loss). Editors should be alert to the distinction between furcation 'involvement' (the condition) and furcation 'defect' (the anatomical result). The term is hyphenated only when used attributively before a noun (e.g., 'furcation-involved molars').
Usage
Usage note: Use 'furcation involvement' as the standard nominal phrase; avoid the colloquial shortening 'furca' in formal documents.
In Context
- "Radiographic examination confirmed Class II furcation involvement of the mandibular left first molar." — Periodontal charting report
- "The prognosis was downgraded to 'questionable' owing to the degree of furcation involvement detected on probing." — Treatment planning document