Hemisection
A procedure in which a mandibular molar is surgically divided through its furcation, with one root and its associated crown portion removed.
Full Definition
Hemisection involves the vertical sectioning of a mandibular molar at the furcation to separate the two roots, followed by extraction of one root-crown segment while retaining the other as a functioning abutment or independent tooth. It is indicated when one root is severely compromised by periodontal or endodontic disease while the other remains restorable. The retained root is typically restored with a crown and may serve as a bridge abutment. Editors should distinguish hemisection from root resection, which removes a root without dividing the crown, and from bicuspidisation, in which both root-crown segments are retained as separate units. Correct capitalisation is lowercase throughout.
Usage
Usage note: Restrict use to mandibular molars; the analogous procedure on maxillary molars is root resection or root amputation.
In Context
- "Hemisection of the mandibular right first molar was performed after the distal root was deemed non-restorable due to vertical fracture." — Oral surgery operative note
- "The article incorrectly used 'hemisection' when describing removal of a maxillary molar root; the correct term in that context is root resection or root amputation." — Manuscript peer review comment