The Incidence of Furcation Region Patency in Molars Before and After Simulated Periodontal Therapy

PURPOSE: To determine if there is increased bacterial communication through the furcation region in molar teeth after simulated periodontal therapy.

METHODS: Sixty-five extracted first and second molars were accessed and the roots were sectioned 4 mm apical to the furcation. The canals and external suface of the root were sealed except the furcation region. In Phase I, the teeth were sterilized and then suspended in Rogosa SL broth. A broth containing Lactobacillus casei was placed in the pulp chamber. The Rogosa SL broth in the bottom chamber was monitored daily for 30 days for turbidity, and once turbidly was noted, the broth was plated to confirm the presence of L. casei. In Phase II, the furcation regions were scaled and cementum removed, the teeth were sterilized, and the microbial leakage was repeated.

RESULTS: The Phase I and Phase II median times to turbidity were 9.5 days and 4 days, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0035). Phase I turbidity rate was 86.5%, and Phase II was 92.3%, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.25).

CONCLUSIONS: The root canal system communicated with the furcation region an average of 86.5% and 92.5% after scaling and root planing during the 30 days of the experiment. The time of leakage between the two groups decreased from 9.5 to 4 days (p = 0.0035).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Periodontal instrumentation of the furcation region in molar teeth can increase the risk of bacterial contamination by 39% while shortening the time for bacterial penetration in teeth with exposed dentin or furcation canals. accessory canals, scaling, and root planing.