Hemisection- A relevant, practical and successful treatment option

Root resection therapy has been used in the treatment of advanced periodontal disease for nearly 100 years. The preservation of posterior abutment teeth permits oral rehabilitation with fixed bridges instead of removable prosthesis. A case of iatrogenic removable partial denture in relation to 47, causing bone loss till the apex of distal root of 46 came to the department of Periodontics, Sri Siddhsrtha dental college, Tumkur. The decision was taken to hemisect the distal root, as mesial bone and furcation bone was relatively unaffected. After phase I therapy, periodontal flap was reflected, area debrided and distal root was resected. The case was followed up for 8 months for the survival of the resected molar. A fixed bridge was given to the patient using 45 and the resected molar with 48 as abutments to replace 47. It has been a year since and hemisected 46 is stable. The keys to long term success appear to be thorough diagnosis, selection of patients with good oral hygiene and careful surgical and restorative management.