Purpose?
Assessment of the root division.
← All explanationsFurcation probe
What is a furcation probe used for?
A furcation probe is a curved examination instrument for the root division of multi-rooted teeth. It assesses whether and how far the space between roots can be entered from the gingival margin. The Nabers probe is a familiar example.
For training & practice ↓
AI-generated
Choose a view
Locate the root division
Many back teeth have more than one root. Their division is called the furcation. A curved probe can follow access to this region better than a straight measuring probe.
Assess horizontally
The examination records the sideways extent of an accessible defect. This differs from vertical pocket depth measured along an individual root.
Account for anatomy
Narrow root spaces and difficult entrances can make probing challenging. Measurements, other clinical findings and justified imaging are interpreted together.
Read the full explanation
Locate the root division
Many back teeth have more than one root. Their division is called the furcation. A curved probe can follow access to this region better than a straight measuring probe.
Assess horizontally
The examination records the sideways extent of an accessible defect. This differs from vertical pocket depth measured along an individual root.
Account for anatomy
Narrow root spaces and difficult entrances can make probing challenging. Measurements, other clinical findings and justified imaging are interpreted together.
Notes on the teaching images
- Root division in a fictional cutaway model
- Lateral access · not a measuring tutorial
- No defect class or probing depth can be inferred
At a glance
Use it yourself?
No.
Decides treatment alone?
No; it is one part of the findings.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.
Often confused
Furcation involvement or pocket depth?
Pocket depth is measured alongside a tooth. Furcation involvement concerns the region between several roots. Both may be important for the same tooth.
Quick answers
Is it a cleaning instrument?
Its main role is examination and measurement. It is not intended for home cleaning.
Does an accessible furcation mean extraction?
No. The decision depends on the overall findings, maintainability, cleaning and treatment options.
Does an X-ray always show the whole defect?
No. Superimposition can obscure the root division. Imaging supplements clinical examination.
At the practice
For the appointment
You can bring this question to your appointment:
How extensive is the finding between the roots, and what does it mean for retaining and cleaning this tooth?
Discuss your individual findings and whether a referral is appropriate.
Discuss your findingsAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Furcation
- The division of a tooth into multiple roots.
- Horizontal attachment loss
- Sideways loss of tissue attachment within the root-division region.
Make the distinction
Pocket depth is measured alongside a tooth. Furcation involvement concerns the region between several roots. Both may be important for the same tooth.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.