Week 9 - SIM - Nabers Probe/NCTL

What is a furcation and why is it important in dentistry?

• An anatomical area where the roots of a multirooted tooth converge.

• Because it's a site that can be vulnerable to periodontal disease, which affects the supporting structures of the tooth, including the gums and the bone surrounding the roots.

What are the classifications? (4 marks)

1. Class 1 - curvature of concavity can be felt with probe tip, penetration no more than 1mm

2. Class 2 - tip penetrations the furcation >1mm but does not pass through

3. Class 3 - probe passes completely through the furcation

4. Class 4 - entrance to the furcation is visible due to high levels of recession

What measurements are the incremental lines on a nabres probe?

• 3mm increments

• up to 12mm

What is NCTL?

Non-carious tooth loss (NCTL) or wear, is when tooth structure is lost through causes OTHER than dental caries. It is a multifactorial condition leading to the loss of enamel and dentine.

What are the four types?

There are four types of NCTL:

• Attrition: tooth to tooth e.g. bruxism

• Erosion: chemically induced

• Abrasion: tooth to other object e.g. toothbrush

• Abfraction: repeated lateral occlusal forces e.g. during biting, chewing, grinding.