Cervical enamel projections as an etiologic factor in furcation involvement. 1976

R H Swan, and W C Hurt

Two thousand molars in 200 East Indian skulls were examined for the occurrence, location, and grade of cervical enamel projections. The relationship between the enamel projections and furcation involvements was studied. Several findings resulted. The incidence of cervical enamel projections in molars was 32.6%. The incidence of cervical enamel projections varied between molars. The mandibular second molars showed the highest incidence of enamel projections (51.0%), followed by the maxillary second molars (45.6%). The lowest incidence was seen in the maxillary first molars (13.6%). Grade 1 enamel projections were the most frequently encountered. Cervical enamel projections occurred most frequently on the buccal surfaces of teeth. There was a positive, statistically significant relationship between tooth surfaces with grade 2 and 3 enamel projections and periodontally involved furcations. However, no etiologic relationship was found between grade 1 projections and furcation involvements. There seems to be a physiologic relationship between bone and enamel projections. The alveolar crest has a tendency to follow the outline of the enamel projection, and a channel much wider than a normal periodontal membrane space accommodates the enamel projection as it extends toward the furcation. The results indicate that when cervical enamel projections are severe enough to approach or enter the furcation area (grades 2 and 3), they may be an etiologic factor in the breakdown of these furcations.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D010510 Periodontal Diseases Pathological processes involving the PERIODONTIUM including the gum (GINGIVA), the alveolar bone (ALVEOLAR PROCESS), the DENTAL CEMENTUM, and the PERIODONTAL LIGAMENT. Parodontosis,Pyorrhea Alveolaris,Disease, Periodontal,Diseases, Periodontal,Parodontoses,Periodontal Disease
D003743 Dental Enamel A hard thin translucent layer of calcified substance which envelops and protects the dentin of the crown of the tooth. It is the hardest substance in the body and is almost entirely composed of calcium salts. Under the microscope, it is composed of thin rods (enamel prisms) held together by cementing substance, and surrounded by an enamel sheath. (From Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992, p286) Enamel,Enamel Cuticle,Dental Enamels,Enamel, Dental,Enamels, Dental,Cuticle, Enamel,Cuticles, Enamel,Enamel Cuticles,Enamels
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000539 Alveolar Process The thickest and spongiest part of the maxilla and mandible hollowed out into deep cavities for the teeth. Alveolar Ridge,Alveolar Processes,Process, Alveolar,Processes, Alveolar,Ridge, Alveolar
D014071 Tooth Abnormalities Congenital absence of or defects in structures of the teeth. Odontome,Abnormalities, Teeth,Abnormalities, Tooth,Teeth Abnormalities,Abnormality, Teeth,Abnormality, Tooth,Odontomes,Teeth Abnormality,Tooth Abnormality

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