Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation and Risk Indicators for Furcation Involvement in Molars: A Study in a Population With Limited Access to Dental Care

Aims To describe the occurrence, extent and severity of furcation involvement (FI) in molars and to evaluate the risk indicators associated with FI. Material and Methods This cross‐sectional study is nested within a representative sample of individuals living in a rural area. Participants received an entire periodontal examination, and demographic and behaviour data were collected through interviews. A total of 2421 M in 492 individuals were analysed with FI clinically classified (degree I, II and III) using a Nabers probe (marks on 3, 6, 9 and 12 mm) at all molar entrances. FI occurrence was estimated considering tooth, entrance and individual‐levels. Extent was evaluated only in molars with FI. Multilevel regression models analysed risk indicators for the occurrence of FI. Results The occurrence of FI was 59.7% per individual and was higher in maxillary teeth and with aging. Lower molars showed more FI extent than upper. The first upper molars showed more chance of FI than the second molars. Gingival bleeding, individuals older (+ 55 years old), former and smokers were associated with more chance of the FI occurrence degree II or III. Conclusion A high occurrence of FI was observed in this sample. Dental plaque, gingival bleeding, older age, probing depth > 4 mm, male and smoking habits were associated with a greater chance of FI occurrence and severity.