Non-surgical vs. Surgical Therapy for Periodontal Furcations

Launched by KING'S COLLEGE LONDON · Feb 2, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating the best treatment options for patients with advanced gum disease, specifically focusing on a condition called furcation involvement, which occurs when the bone loss around the roots of molar teeth makes it difficult to treat them effectively. The study is looking at whether non-surgical methods or surgical procedures work better for improving the health of these teeth and preventing tooth loss. It’s important because many people with severe gum disease experience this issue, and there hasn’t been a lot of research on the best ways to treat it.

To participate in the trial, individuals should have at least 12 teeth and be diagnosed with severe periodontitis (a serious form of gum disease). They need to have at least one molar tooth with significant bone loss and specific conditions that make it hard to keep clean. Participants can expect to receive either non-surgical or surgical treatment, depending on what the trial is studying. If you or someone you know has severe gum disease and meets these criteria, this trial could provide helpful insights into managing furcation involvement effectively.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Minimum of 12 teeth present
• • Diagnosis of Severe Periodontitis stage III or IV
• • At least one maxillary/ mandibular molar with: i) degree III horizontal furcation involvement (at least between 2 roots for maxillary molars) , ii) class B vertical furcation involvement (bone loss up to the middle third of root cones), iii) residual probing pocket depths \> 5 mm in furcation area, iv) maximum mobility degree Iand v) not already accessible for self-performed oral hygiene
• • Received a course of non-surgical periodontal therapy within the past six months
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Patient:
• • Full mouth plaque score \> 30%
• • A course of antibiotics within the past 3 months
• • Pregnant/lactating women
• • Relevant medical history as evaluated by the examining clinician which may have the potential to affect periodontal surgical treatment
• • Individuals on long-standing (2 or above years) supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) management plans
• Molar affected by FI:
• • Ongoing endodontic pathology affecting the furcation involved molar, as judged by the examining clinician
• • Previous periodontal surgical treatment to the furcation affected molar within the previous 5 years
• • Endodontically treated molar tooth without a full coverage restoration
• • 'Unrestorable' molar tooth (lacking adequate tooth structure to provide a restoration) as deemed by the examining clinician.
• • Molar tooth acting as a bridge abutment
• • The presence of occlusal dysfunction as assessed by the examining clinician