Periodontal furcation lesions: A survey of diagnosis and management by general dental practitioners. (21st September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nibali, Luigi; Shemie, Melissa; Li, Guanhong; Ting, Rachel; Asimakopoulou, Koula; Barbagallo, Giovanni; Lee, Ryan; Eickholz, Peter; Kocher, Thomas; Walter, Clemens; Aimetti, Mario; Rüdiger, Stefan
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical periodontology. Volume 48:Number 11(2021)
• Page Start: 1441
• Page End: 1448
• Publication Date: 2021-09-21
• Subjects: diagnosis -- furcation -- periodontitis -- questionnaire -- treatment; Periodontics -- Periodicals; 617.6
• DOI: 10.1111/jcpe.13543
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0303-6979

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: The aim of this study was to explore general dental practitioners' (GDPs) attitude to periodontal furcation involvement (FI). Materials and methods: An online survey focused on diagnosis and management of periodontal FI was circulated to GDPs in seven different countries. Results: A total of 400 responses were collected. Nearly a fifth of participants reported rarely or never taking 6‐point pocket charts; 65.8% of participants had access to a Nabers probe in their practice. When shown clinical pictures and radiographs of FI‐involved molars, the majority of participants correctly diagnosed it. Although 47.1% of participants were very/extremely confident in detecting FI, only 8.9% felt very/extremely confident at treating it. Differences in responses were detected according to country and year of qualification, with a trend towards less interest in periodontal diagnosis and treatment in younger generations. Lack of knowledge of management/referral pathways (reported by 22.8%) and lack of correct equipment were considered the biggest barriers to FI management. Most participants (80.9%) were interested in learning more about FI, ideally face to face followed by online tutorials. Conclusions: Plans should be put in place to improve general dentists' knowledge and ability to manage FI, as this can have a significant impact on public health.