Trifurcation (dentistry)

The human teeth: The trifurcations are clearly visible on the upper molars. (Schematic representation)

Clearly recognizable trifurcation on an upper molar

Clearly recognizable trifurcation on an upper molar. Anomaly: the palatal root is divided again at the root tip.

The trifurcation of the second upper molar is beginning to break down. (Degree of furcation 1). Additional finding: approximal caries on the first and second molars.

The trifurcation (from the Latin tria "three" and furca "fork") is the division of the tooth roots in three-rooted teeth in dentistry . These are usually the upper molars . However, abnormalities or variations do occur (especially with wisdom teeth ).

In the ( periodontally ) healthy tooth, the trifurcation lies within the jawbone and is neither visible nor probable.

In advanced gum disease , the trifurcation is often exposed. Because these areas are difficult to access in oral hygiene and are therefore a predilection for bacterial colonization, such areas should be treated with periodontal surgery whenever possible in order to avoid inflammation and prevent further bone loss.

Trifurcation and bifurcation 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

In the case of a hemisection (removal of one or more tooth roots), the tooth crown is cut through to the trifurcation and then the root (s) are removed.

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

See also

• Bifurcation
• tooth
• Tooth root
• Periodontal disease

literature

• Herbert F. Wolf, Klaus H. Rateitschak, Edith M. Rateitschak: Periodontology . Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart
• M. Heners, K. Walther (ed.): Documentation and planning of dental practice . Quintessenz-Verlag, Berlin 1983.

Web links

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

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

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Der kleine Stowasser - Latin-German school dictionary