What Is a Hemisection?
A hemisection is a dental procedure where one half of a tooth is removed. This treatment is usually done when a tooth has extensive decay or damage affecting one side and the other half is healthy enough to be preserved. At Smith & Smith Endodontics, this procedure is performed by experienced endodontists Drs. Wilder and Carol Smith. With their expertise in endodontics, patients can trust that they will receive high-quality care and personalized treatment plans for procedures like hemisections. For more information on how this procedure can help your oral health, contact our office in Florence, AL.
How Is a Hemisection Performed?
During a hemisection procedure, we will first administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth. Using advanced techniques, we will then carefully remove a portion of the tooth, typically splitting it into two sections. This process involves cutting through the crown and root of the tooth to separate the damaged portion. Once the affected part is removed, we will clean and shape the remaining tooth structure before filling the space with a dental restoration such as a crown or bridge. Patients can expect to feel pressure and vibrations during the procedure but should experience very little discomfort. After the hemisection is complete, we will provide post-operative care instructions to promote healing and prevent complications.
What Can I Expect After Hemisection?
After a hemisection, some mild discomfort, swelling, and sensitivity are normal. You can manage these with over-the-counter pain relievers and by applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. We recommend sticking to a soft-food diet for a few days to avoid putting pressure on the treated tooth. It is also crucial to keep the area clean by gently rinsing it with warm saltwater. We will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing and discuss the next steps. With proper care, the preserved part of your tooth can continue to function effectively for many years.
What Are the Benefits of a Hemisection?
A hemisection offers several benefits for patients with damaged or infected teeth, allowing them to retain their natural tooth structure.
- Preserves a portion of the natural tooth, preventing the need for full extraction
- Provides a cost-effective alternative to implants or bridges
- Maintains functionality and appearance of the tooth
- Reduces the risk of further complications or infections by removing the damaged portion
- Can extend the life of the tooth, avoiding the need for more invasive treatments
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Am I a Candidate for Hemisection?
Hemisection may be considered when one root of a multi-rooted tooth is severely damaged but the other remains healthy. It allows for partial preservation of the tooth structure while removing the diseased portion. Generally speaking, candidates for hemisection may be those who are:
- Diagnosed with localized root or bone loss
- Having a strong remaining root structure
- Free from advanced periodontal disease
- Maintaining good oral hygiene habits
- Healthy enough for minor oral surgery
During your consultation, our team will evaluate imaging studies and tooth stability to decide if hemisection offers a reliable alternative to extraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to get a hemisection or a tooth extraction?
can be preserved while removing the damaged or infected portion. If enough healthy tooth structure remains, saving part of the tooth may help maintain your natural bite and delay or eliminate the need for tooth replacement. However, if the tooth is too severely damaged to restore predictably, extraction may be the better long-term option. After a thorough evaluation, our team will discuss your treatment options and recommend the approach that offers the healthiest and most predictable outcome.
Are hemisections ever performed on baby teeth?
No, hemisections are almost always performed on permanent molars rather than baby teeth. Because primary teeth naturally loosen and fall out as permanent teeth develop, preserving only part of a baby tooth is rarely beneficial. Instead, treatment for damaged or infected primary teeth depends on the child's age, the stage of tooth development, and the health of the surrounding tissues. Our team will recommend the most appropriate treatment to protect your child's oral health and support proper development of the permanent teeth.
Is your tooth permanently numb after a hemisection?
No. While your mouth will feel numb immediately after the procedure because of the local anesthetic, that sensation typically wears off within a few hours. It's normal to experience some soreness or tenderness as the area heals, but the tooth itself should not remain permanently numb. If numbness persists well beyond the expected recovery period or you experience unusual symptoms, contact our office so our team can evaluate your healing and ensure everything is progressing as expected.
What happens to the remaining part of the tooth after a hemisection?
The remaining part is reshaped and restored with a crown or filling and continues to function like a natural tooth.
Can a hemisection be done after a failed root canal?
Yes, a hemisection is often considered if only one root has failed and the rest of the tooth can still be salvaged.
Will the hemisection tooth be as strong as a full tooth?
With proper restoration and care, the remaining tooth structure can function well, though it may not be quite as strong as an intact molar.
Heal the Healthy Portion of Your Tooth
If you're dealing with a damaged or infected tooth and are considering your treatment options, hemisection may be the solution you need. At Smith & Smith Endodontics, Dr. Wilder Smith and Dr. Carol Smith are here to guide you through the process and help you make an informed decision about preserving your natural teeth. Contact our Florence, AL office today to schedule a consultation and find out if a hemisection is the right choice for your dental health!