DANB General Chairside Practice Test

What surgical procedure is defined as a hemisection?

1. A) Removal of a single root

2. B) Extraction of the entire tooth

3. C) Removal of the root and crown by cutting lengthwise

4. D) Surgical reshaping of the crown

The correct answer is: C) Removal of the root and crown by cutting lengthwise

A hemisection is a specialized dental surgical procedure that involves the removal of one half of a tooth, which typically includes both the root and the crown, by making a cut lengthwise. This technique is often performed on multi-rooted teeth, allowing for the preservation of the remaining healthy portion of the tooth. In cases where there is severe periodontal disease localized to one root of a multi-rooted tooth, a hemisection can be a valuable alternative to complete extraction, as it can help maintain the integrity of the adjacent structures. By eliminating the compromised portion, it helps to alleviate pain and infection while preserving the functional capacity of the remaining tooth. While removal of a single root might sound similar, a hemisection specifically entails dividing the tooth into two halves, rather than just removing one root independently. Extraction of the entire tooth refers to complete removal, which does not reflect the concept of retaining part of the tooth structure. Surgical reshaping of the crown does not apply, as it involves altering the tooth's exterior rather than removing a portion of it. Thus, the accurate definition of hemisection is clearly characterized by the removal of the root and crown by cutting lengthwise.