Hemisection: Split To Benefit - A Case Report.

ABSTRACT

Infections of periodontal or endodontic origin may result in increased periodontal probing depths with attachment loss adjacent to the root surface, bleeding on probing, suppuration, swelling, tooth mobility, angular bone loss, and pain on percussion. These signs and symptoms may be caused by plaque-associated periodontitis which begins at the margin of the gingiva and proceeds apically or by endodontic infections that enter the periodontal ligament at the apical foramen or through lateral or accessory canals and proceed coronally. The loss of posterior molars as a result of periodontal or endodontic infection leads to migration of teeth, supra-eruption of opposing teeth, loss of supporting alveolar bone and a decrease in masticatory efficiency. The unrestorable teeth can be replaced by removable partial dentures or fixed partial dentures or the recent treatment modality, dental implants. This case report presents one treatment option available to save the molars affected by extensive periodontal lesions, and thereby prevent the undesirable consequences of tooth loss. Hemisection refers to the sectioning of a molar tooth with the removal of an unrestorable root which may be affected by periodontal or endodontic infection or carious lesion. Careful case selection is necessary for long-term success.