Bifurcation (dentistry)

View of the bifurcation (seen from the root tip)

The human dentition: The bifurcations are clearly visible on the first upper premolars (one behind the other) and the lower molars. (Schematic representation)

Clearly recognizable bifurcations on the first and second lower molars. The (not yet erupted) wisdom tooth, on the other hand, is a single-rooted anomaly and accordingly has no bifurcation.

The bifurcation is exposed in the second lower molar. (Degree of furcation 2)

As a bifurcation (of lat. Bi "two" and furca "fork") in dentistry, the split-up point is the tooth roots indicated at zweiwurzeligen teeth. These are usually the lower molars and the first upper premolar . However, abnormalities or variations do occur (especially with wisdom teeth ). In the ( periodontally ) healthy tooth, the bifurcation lies within the jawbone and is neither visible nor probable.

Exposed bifurcation

In advanced gum disease , the bifurcation is often exposed. Because these areas are difficult to access in oral hygiene and germs tend to settle here, such areas should be treated with periodontal surgery if possible in order to avoid inflammation and further bone loss.

Intrafurcal is the description of the position within the alveolus in the area of the division point of the tooth roots.

Degrees of furcation

Bifurcation and trifurcation are divided into four degrees of furcation:

(0) Furcation not palpable (palpable)
(1) Furcation entrance palpable
(2) Furcation clearly but not consistently probable
(3) The furcation can be explored and is continuous on both sides

Therapies

If the furcations are exposed, good oral hygiene and aftercare can preserve the tooth over the long term. In other cases, hemisection or premolarization may be indicated.

Hemisection

With a hemisection , the tooth crown is divided into two parts up to the bifurcation and the diseased part is removed. The remaining part is transformed into a premolar and crowned.

Premolarization

During premolarization, the tooth crown is also divided into two parts up to the bifurcation, both of which are retained. They are then roughly the size (but not the shape) of two premolars, which are then also crowned individually.

literature

Herbert F. Wolf, Klaus H. Rateitschak, Edith M. Rateitschak: Periodontology. 3rd, completely revised and exp. Edition. Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart 2012, ISBN 978-3-13-169803-2 .

M. Heners, K. Walther (ed.): Documentation and planning of dental practice. Quintessenz-Verlag, Berlin 1983, ISBN 3-87652-799-6 .

Individual evidence

↑ Der kleine Stowasser : Latin-German school dictionary

Web links

Commons : Dentistry - collection of images, videos and audio files

Wiktionary: Bifurcation - explanations of meanings, word origins, synonyms, translations

[1] Der kleine Stowasser : Latin-German school dictionary