Bicuspidisation
Pronunciation: by-kus-pid-eye-ZAY-shun
A procedure in which a mandibular molar is sectioned through its furcation and both resulting root-crown segments are retained as separate functional units.
Full Definition
Bicuspidisation involves dividing a mandibular molar into two separate mesial and distal tooth units at the furcation level, retaining and independently restoring both segments. Unlike hemisection, no segment is removed; instead, the gap created between the two units is managed with good plaque control access. Both retained units require endodontic treatment and individual crowns. Editors should note the British English spelling 'bicuspidisation' versus the American English 'bicuspidization', and apply the appropriate variant according to house style. The procedure is also sometimes called molar separation.
Usage
Usage note: Note the -isation/-ization spelling variant; apply house style consistently. Do not use as a synonym for hemisection.
In Context
- "Bicuspidisation was chosen over hemisection so that both segments of the mandibular second molar could be retained as separate abutments for a fixed partial denture." — Restorative-periodontic treatment plan
- "The author alternated between 'bicuspidisation' and 'molar separation'; these were standardised to the former per house style." — Copy-editing log