Definition and Types of Tooth Hemisection
- Tooth hemisection is a form of endodontic surgery.
- It involves separating a root and its overlying crown from the rest of the tooth.
- Root resection and apicoectomy are alternative procedures.
- Root resection involves removing a root while leaving the crown intact.
- Apicoectomy involves removing only the tip of the root.
Applicability and Performers of Hemisection
- Hemisection is performed on molars, which have 2 to 3 roots.
- Incisors, canines, and lower premolars have only 1 root each.
- Hemisections are usually performed on lower molars rather than upper molars.
- General dentists or periodontists perform the procedure.
- The affected side of the molar's root and crown are removed.
Procedure of Tooth Hemisection
- The dentist makes a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth's deeper structure.
- The roots are separated during the procedure.
- Decay and other parts of the tooth are removed to protect overall oral health.
- The area is cleaned with sterile saline solutions.
- If necessary, the small cuts are stitched closed.
Temporary and Permanent Restoration
- After the hemisection, a temporary crown or filling is placed on the tooth.
- The temporary restoration will be replaced with a permanent fixture later.
- The temporary restoration protects the tooth during the healing process.
- The permanent restoration ensures long-term functionality and aesthetics.
- The type of permanent restoration may vary based on individual needs.
Duration and Preparatory Procedures
- A hemisection typically takes between 30 minutes and an hour to complete.
- The duration depends on the extent of decay and periodontal disease.
- In many cases, an initial procedure is required before the hemisection.
- The initial procedure prepares the tooth for the hemisection.
- It may involve addressing specific dental issues or ensuring optimal oral health.
Tooth hemisection is a type of endodontic surgery in which a root and its overlying portion of the crown are separated from the rest of the tooth; the separated part may be optionally removed. It contrasts with root resection, where a root is removed while leaving the crown intact, and an apicoectomy, where only the tip of the root is removed.
A hemisection is only performed on molars, which have 2 to 3 roots. Incisors, canines, and lower premolars only have 1 root each. Hemisections are also usually performed on the lower molars rather than the upper molars. During a hemisection, a general dentist or periodontist cuts the molar in half. The root and crown on the affected side are removed.[citation needed]
The dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the deeper structure of the tooth initially, then the roots will be separated. At the same time, decay and other parts of the tooth will be removed to protect the overall mouthpart. Following this, the area is cleaned with sterile saline solutions and if necessary, the small cuts will be stitched closed. The tooth is then covered with a temporary crown or filling, which is going to be replaced with a permanent fixture at a later date. Overall, a hemisection will take between 30 minutes and an hour to carry out, depending on the amount of decay and periodontal disease present. In many cases, an initial procedure will be needed prior to the hemisection.
