Hemi-section

What is Hemi-section?

• Hemi-section is performed on teeth with two or more roots. (most commonly Molar teeth)
• It is the section of one or more roots that have an infection source or fracture present
• Root Canal filling of the remaining root/s is necessary in hope of saving the tooth
• A crown is required where Root canal and Hemi-section treatments are successful
• A surgical approach to gain visible access of the roots is the most predictable technique for success

Indications for Hemi-section?

• Root canal filling treatment hasn’t been considered successful
• The root/s of a tooth have a source of infection remaining
• The root/s have a fracture present
• The patient wishes to try and save a tooth rather than have extraction
• The surviving root is accessible and able to be treated with Root canal
• The surviving root is able to respond to a post-crown restorative treatment

Advantages

• May prevent the loss of the tooth, avoiding bone loss in the area, teeth shifting and opposing teeth over-erupting into the space.
• If successful, the patient will retain their ability to eat and chew as normal
• Avoids replacement options such as Dentures and Bridges which can be detrimental to other teeth

Disadvantages

• Where roots are fused together or very curved (Poor candidate for Hemi-section)
• Patients may be unwilling to undergo surgical and root canal treatments
• Timely procedure

Risks

• Increased stress on other teeth (because of the loss of 50% of the tooth)
• Infection, swelling, brusing after the surgical procedure