Occurrence and distribution of lost molars and furcation defects in a Bulgarian population: A retrospective three‐dimensional study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To identify the ocuurrence, distribution, and factors associated with lost molars and furcation defects in a sample of the Bulgarian population. Material and Methods The full mouth cone‐beam computed tomography of 56 male and 57 female patients, aged between 19 and 84 years, were examined. A comprehensive evaluation was performed on a total of 675 molars—339 in maxilla and 336 in mandible. Associations with variables such as age, gender, and periodontal disease were analyzed. Results With aging the number of missing teeth and interradicular lesions increased. No significant links between gender and molar loss (p = .64) or gender and furcation involvement (p = .25) was found. Periodontitis was strongly associated with both studied dental problems (p < .001). The occurrence of furcation defects was more frequently observed in the maxilla than in the mandible. Conclusion The occurrence and distribution of lost molars and furcation defects is substantial within the studied sample. Further investigation with a larger patient cohort is needed. Pertinent healthcare strategies to address the observed dental health issues also have to be developed.

Keywords

• cone‐beam computed tomography
• furcation defects
• missing molars
• tooth loss