The Journal of the American Dental Association
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J Am Dent Assoc, Vol 133, No 1, 55-60.
© 2002 American Dental Association
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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.






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