When Half is Whole: The Art of Tooth Hemisection, A Case Report

Abstract

With advancements in dentistry and a growing desire among patients to preserve their teeth, treatments are now available for teeth that would have previously been extracted. To meet this modern demand, grossly carious teeth with periapical pathology can be retained by removing the decayed part of crown and root. Hemisection involves removing a root along with its associated crown portion, typically in two-rooted teeth such as mandibular molars. It is a viable treatment option when decay, resorption or periodontal bone loss is confined to one root while the other remains healthy. This article outlines a procedure for hemisection of a mandibular molar followed by its subsequent restoration to enhance the retention of the remaining tooth and address defective dental roots that cannot be preserved. The combination of hemisection and prosthetic rehabilitation resulted in an acceptable outcome.