The Journal of the American Dental Association
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

J Am Dent Assoc, Vol 133, No 1, 55-60.
© 2002 American Dental Association
Essential Dental System, Inc.
This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by VANDERSALL, D. C.
Right arrow Articles by DETAMORE, R. J.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by VANDERSALL, D. C.
Right arrow Articles by DETAMORE, R. J.
Related Collections
Right arrow Endodontics

CLINICAL PRACTICE

The mandibular molar Class III furcation invasion

A review of treatment options and a case report of tunneling



DAVID C. VANDERSALL, D.D.S., M.S. and ROBERT J. DETAMORE, D.D.S.
Background. The predictable management of a mandibular molar that has lost all of its interradicular periodontal support—in other words, that has experienced a Class III furcation invasion, or FI—often is a frustrating and disappointing process for both clinician and patient. The strategic value of retaining such a periodontally involved tooth must be determined by both the patient and dentist before a treatment option is selected. In this article, the authors present and describe various therapeutic plans available for Class III FIs in mandibular molars, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. They focus particularly on a surgical technique called "tunneling," which is performed to débride the remaining soft and hard tissues in the furcal area; this, in turn, allows access for effective oral hygiene and maintenance.

Case Description. The authors report on the 23-year result of a case involving tunneling. The procedure facilitated the retention of a mandibular molar with a Class III FI in a manner acceptable to both the patient and the clinician.

Clinical Implications. Tunneling, in a properly selected patient who is motivated to perform careful oral hygiene, can result in comfortable, functional, healthy retention of the affected tooth, with a minimal commitment of time and financial outlay.






HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright©1995-2002 American Dental Association (ADA).
Reproduction or republication strictly prohibited without prior written permission of ADA.