Furcation Defect

Advanced gum disease can result in many complications in the mouth. These complications can include damage to the structures that supportyour teeth. One of these structures is the furcation, and it is quite a vulnerable structure. Furcation is the area where multiple roots of a tooth meet.

Symptoms of periodontitis

Periodontitis results in swollen gums, which can be bright red painful to touch. Periodontal infection can cause a deep pocket in the space between the gum and tooth. This entire situation can result in the formation of pus between teeth and gums. It can lead to bad breath and foul taste inside the mouth. Bone loss that happens to the branching of the tooth root is known as furcation defect. This problem occurs in molar and premolars because it can happen only to the teeth with multiple roots.

Diagnosing bone loss between roots

Dental professionals use probing to detect such problems. They identify bone loss by using an instrument called a periodontal probe. They use this instrument to explore the area beneath the gums to see if there is any bone loss in the furcation area. An x-ray test may show this defect as a translucent area between roots.

There may not be the need to use probing methods to see the defect in more advanced cases. It typically happens when the gum tissue surrounding the tooth is recessed. It can expose the damaged root.

Treatment

You will need to act promptly to get the treatment of furcation defects and periodontitis. Without the treatment, you may have to go for a tooth extraction.

Research suggests that scaling and root planing may help treat this defect. This treatment is a deep cleaning procedure that involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of teeth beneath the gum tissues. After the treatment, patients are given proteins that stimulate tissues.

You may have to undergo a gum grafting procedure if your gums are receded enough to expose your tooth roots. This procedure involves the dentist taking tissues from another area of the mouth and using it in the area of receded gums.

In some situations, teeth affected by this condition may not be able to be saved. The good thing is that there are so many ways to restore a missing tooth. One of the quickest solutions is to get dental bridges, which fill the gap left by the missing tooth. The more advanced treatment is a dental implant, which involves the insertion of a metal root into the jawbone. The dentist will fix a crown on the top of the implant. This treatment results in tooth restoration that is as functional as aesthetic.

Prevention

Furcation defect is a consequence of periodontal disease. It means that the measures you take to prevent gum disease can also help you prevent furcation defects. For this purpose, you have to make sure that you take good care of your oral hygiene by brushing twice and flossing once a day. Moreover, make sure to visit your dentist every six months.