What is the purpose of the Nabers furcation probe?

• A. To measure pocket depth on single-rooted teeth.
• B. To assess enamel thickness.
• C. To determine tooth mobility.
• D. To detect and assess furcation involvement in multirooted teeth.

Answer: (D)

Detecting and assessing furcation involvement in multirooted teeth is what the Nabers furcation probe is designed for. Its curved, slender tips are specifically shaped to reach into the furcation entrances between roots, allowing you to feel how deep the furcation is and whether its involvement is limited to the coronal portion or extends deeper toward the tooth’s supporting structures. This helps you classify the extent of furcation involvement and guide treatment planning. It’s not used for measuring pocket depth on single-rooted teeth, which is done with a standard periodontal probe; it doesn’t measure enamel thickness, and it isn’t used to assess tooth mobility.