Periodontics · single question
Where should furcation involvement be probed in a MAXILLARY MOLAR?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Mesial, distal, and palatal
- A. Correct. Maxillary molars have THREE roots: mesiobuccal, distobuccal, and palatal. Furcation involvement can occur at THREE locations: MESIAL (between MB and palatal roots), DISTAL (between DB and palatal roots), and PALATAL (between both buccal roots). All three locations must be probed.
- B. Incorrect. Only probing palatal and distal misses the mesial furcation.
- C. Incorrect. Buccal probing alone only accesses one of three furcation sites in a maxillary molar.
- D. Incorrect. Buccal probing detects the furcation between the two buccal roots — but the furcation between the palatal root and each buccal root is accessed from the mesial and distal, not just buccal and distal.