To assess horizontal attachment loss in furcation areas, which instrument is used?

• A. Nabers probe
• B. Periodontal probe
• C. Explorer
• D. Curette

Answer: (A)

Assessing horizontal attachment loss in furcation areas needs an instrument that can reach into the furcation entrance and measure how far bone loss extends across the horizontal plane. The Nabers furcation probe is designed for this purpose. Its curved, slender tip lets you enter the furcation openings on buccal or lingual sides of multirooted teeth and gently probe to gauge the horizontal depth of involvement, providing a reading that reflects horizontal attachment loss. This targeted access is what makes it the best choice for evaluating furcation involvement and classifying its extent.

A general periodontal probe is used mainly for measuring pocket depths and clinical attachment levels around single roots, not for reliably assessing horizontal furcation involvement. An explorer is used to detect calculus and irregularities on tooth surfaces, while a curette is a scaling tool for root planing—none are specialized for measuring furcation horizontal loss.