What is hemisection?
During hemisection, a multi-rooted molar is divided. A damaged or non-restorable part may be removed while another part of the tooth is retained. It is therefore different from extracting the entire molar.
What is removed and what can remain?
Which root and part of the crown can remain depends on the cause, the amount of healthy tooth tissue, support from bone and gums, and whether the remaining section can be restored predictably. The term describes a technique, not the outcome for an individual tooth.
When may it be discussed?
Research describes hemisection and root resection as tooth-preserving options for selected multi-rooted teeth. Outcomes vary by case. A clinician should therefore also discuss alternatives such as retreatment, complete extraction and replacement.
Questions to ask your clinician
- Which part of the tooth is still restorable?
- What treatment will the remaining section need?
- How does its prognosis compare with complete extraction?
- What maintenance and follow-up will be needed?
Sources
Traceable external sources
