Molar furcation involvement associated with cigarette smoking in periodontal referrals
This study showed the relationship of periodontal furcation involvement associated with cigarette smoking. The inclusion criteria were (1) first-time referral to a periodontal specialist, (2) patient a regular attendee for dental treatment, (3) 35 years of age, and (4) have at least four molars. Patients with contributing medical conditions were excluded. Fifty consecutive patients who smoked were selected and matched with those who never smoked. Bitewing and periapical radiographs were taken on teeth to be assessed for furcation involvement. Furcation involvement was defined as an area of radiolucency at the furcal area indicating bone loss. Radiographs were assessed two times by an examiner blinded to the smoking status of the patient. The results demonstrated only slight differences in the number of teeth present in smokers and nonsmokers, and more of the nonsmokers used a method of interdental cleaning. In respect to furcation involvement, smokers had almost two times more furcation involvement than nonsmokers. [A.S.]
Mullally, B. H., and G.J. Linden, J Clin Periodont, 23:658, 1996