Root Resection
The surgical removal of one root of a multi-rooted tooth, typically a maxillary molar, while retaining the crown and remaining roots.
Full Definition
Root resection (also termed root amputation) is performed on maxillary molars when one root is non-salvageable due to severe periodontal destruction, endodontic failure, or root fracture, yet the remaining root structure can support a functional restoration. After resection the retained roots must be adequately prepared endodontically and the tooth restored with a crown. Editors must not conflate root resection with hemisection, which is the analogous procedure for mandibular molars involving crown sectioning. Some style guides prefer 'root amputation' as a synonym, and editors should apply the house style consistently throughout a document. Both spellings 'resection' and 'amputation' are accepted in peer-reviewed literature.
Usage
Usage note: The terms 'root resection' and 'root amputation' are used interchangeably in the literature; editors should standardise to whichever term the author or house style prefers.
In Context
- "Root resection of the distobuccal root of the maxillary first molar was completed after failure of root canal retreatment." — Endodontic-periodontic case report
- "Ensure the manuscript uses 'root resection' consistently and does not switch to 'root amputation' mid-article without explanation." — Copy-editing instruction