Prevalence And Impact Of Cervical Enamel Projection In Mandibular Molars

Objectives: Furcation involvement (FI) is a strong risk factor for the loss of multirooted teeth, as demonstrated in several prognosis-predicting systems. Some anatomical weaknesses reportedly increase the susceptibility of FI, such as cervical enamel projections (CEPs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of CEPs in mandibular molars, and analyze the correlation between CEPs and FI based on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data in a Korean population.
Methods: CBCT images obtained from March 2012 to August 2012 were analyzed. CEPs and FI on the buccal and lingual surface were classified in three-dimensionally reconstructed images and cross-sectional views (See figure), and the correlation between these two parameters was analyzed.
Results: In total, 982 teeth in 425 patients were analyzed. The overall prevalence rate of CEPs was 76% (71% and 27% on the buccal and lingual surfaces, respectively). Grade I CEPs were the most common, followed by CEPs of grades II and III. There was a statistically significant, but negligible correlation between the CEP grade and the degree of FI on the buccal and lingual surfaces.
Conclusions: Within the limitations of this cross-sectional study, a high prevalence of CEPs were found in a Korean population, but the role of CEPs in provoking FI appeared not to be decisive.