- What Is a Hemisection?
- How Do You Perform Hemisections?
- What To Expect After A Hemisection
- Am I A Candidate For Hemisection?
- What Are the Benefits of a Hemisection?
- Endodontic Associates of East Alabama Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Restore Tooth Function with Hemisection
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
What Is a Hemisection?
A hemisection is a dental procedure that involves surgically removing a portion of a tooth and is often recommended when one side has significant decay or damage while the other side remains healthy. Unlike a total tooth extraction, hemisection leaves part of the root intact, reducing your risk of jawbone loss over time. This treatment helps preserve as much of your smile as possible when more conventional treatments aren't enough. At Endodontic Associates of East Alabama, Dr. William Looney performs hemisections as part of our focus on saving damaged teeth. Using state-of-the-art technology and advanced techniques, we work with each patient to provide personalized solutions. To find out if a hemisection can restore your oral health, contact Endodontic Associates of East Alabama in Auburn, AL to schedule a consultation.
How Do You Perform Hemisections?
Hemisection is generally performed on the molars, which have multiple roots. Before starting your tooth hemisection, we'll numb the treatment area with local anesthetic. Dr. Looney will begin by making a small incision in the gums to expose the tooth root. After clearing the area, he'll carefully split the tooth from the crown to the root, preserving as much of the healthy tissue as possible while removing all of the damaged portions. He will then clean and reshape the remaining tooth before sealing it to prevent infection. He may place a temporary crown for added support, which will need to be replaced with a permanent restoration later. While the hemisection procedure is complex, you should feel little to no discomfort during your appointment. Our team will provide aftercare instructions to reduce pain and ensure a smoother recovery.
What To Expect After A Hemisection
After a hemisection, it’s normal to experience some mild discomfort, swelling, or sensitivity in the treated area as your mouth begins to heal. Dr. Looney and our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help manage your recovery. This may include guidelines for oral hygiene, dietary recommendations, and any necessary medications to reduce pain or prevent infection. Follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress and ensure the success of the procedure. Once the treatment site has stabilized, Dr. Looney may recommend placing a crown or another type of restoration to protect the remaining tooth and restore full function.
Am I A Candidate For Hemisection?
Candidates for hemisection are typically individuals with molars that have extensive decay or damage on one side while the other side remains healthy and functional. This procedure is most effective for patients who can benefit from preserving part of the tooth rather than undergoing a full extraction. To determine if hemisection is the right solution for your dental needs, Dr. Looney will carefully evaluate your tooth, discuss your treatment options, and create a personalized plan to restore your oral health while preserving as much of your natural smile as possible.
What Are the Benefits of a Hemisection?
At Endodontic Associates of East Alabama, our main goal with every treatment is to save as much of your natural smile as possible. Hemisection offers a solution for larger teeth experiencing damage or decay, providing benefits that include:
- Preventing full tooth extraction by preserving healthy sections
- Retaining the tooth's functionality and aesthetic
- Lowering the likelihood of further infection or damage
- Increasing the tooth's longevity, reducing the need for future treatments
Endodontic Associates of East Alabama Reviews
Great "bedside manner" - Dr. Looney was professional, kind and attentive. He listened so carefully that he addressed questions that I hadn't actually asked, but he intuitively knew I wanted answers to. He read my forms and asked questions about my prior career, showing interest. He was kind, proactive and made sure I left my appointment with everything I needed. The procedure was done efficiently with as little discimfort as possible. I strongly recommend Dr. Looney if you want a quality and caring experience. I drove 220 miles round trip and it was well worth it!
Dr W. Looney DMD is very professional & courteous. He did great correcting my dental issues. Best pain free surgery I have had in 59 years. Staff is great as well.
Dr. Looney took great care with this very anxious patient. I would definitely see him again.
This doctor is very caring. He went above and beyond to get my pain under control. I had one root canal and continued to have pain. He saw me (without a scheduled appointment) and did another root canal on a tooth next to the first infected one. I am praying this will resolve the issues but if not, it is certainly not a reflection on Dr. Looney. He has thorough, quick and most of all, compassionate. The office personnel were great as well.
My dentist did a root canal about 20 years ago and for some reason it went bad and he recommended that I see a specialist because of the difficulty of redoing one. I choose Dr. Looney from my dentist's recommendation and because his practice accepted my Southland Dental Insurance. The Dr. and his assistants did a great job, my root canal went fine, and my insurance covered the entire amount due, I was even refunded the co-pay. I hope I never need another one, but if I do I will see Dr Looney.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a root canal required before a hemisection?
A root canal is typically required before a hemisection to remove infected or damaged pulp from the tooth and ensure the remaining portion is healthy and stable. Treating the root canal system beforehand helps prevent future infection and prepares the tooth for long-term restoration. In some cases, root canal retreatment may also be necessary if the tooth has been previously treated.
Are there alternatives to hemisection?
Alternatives may include full extraction followed by a dental implant or bridge. Your dentist will help determine the best treatment based on your needs.
Will the tooth look different after a hemisection?
Once restored with a crown, the tooth will look and function like a normal tooth. Any visible changes will be minimal and aesthetically managed.
What should I do before a hemisection appointment?
Before a dental hemisection procedure, patients are usually advised to eat a light meal, avoid tobacco or alcohol, and discuss medications or health conditions with the dental team. It is also important to arrange transportation if sedation is being used during treatment. Our team in Auburn, AL provides personalized preparation instructions to help make the procedure as smooth and comfortable as possible.
How long does a hemisection treatment usually take?
The length of a hemisection dental treatment can vary depending on the condition of the tooth and whether additional restorative procedures are needed. In many cases, treatment may take between 30 and 90 minutes, although more complex cases could require additional visits. Patients receiving care at Endodontic Associates of East Alabama are given a customized treatment plan so they understand what to expect before the procedure begins.
Why would a dentist recommend hemisection instead of extraction?
A hemisection procedure for molars may be recommended when saving part of the natural tooth is possible and beneficial for long-term oral health. Preserving healthy tooth structure can help maintain bite alignment, chewing function, and jawbone support while avoiding a full tooth extraction. Our team often discusses all available treatment options before recommending the most appropriate solution for each patient.
Restore Tooth Function with Hemisection
If you're looking for a solution for damaged or infected teeth, a hemisection may provide the answer you need. Dr. Looney and the team at Endodontic Associates of East Alabama are ready to help you understand your oral health and make an educated decision about your treatment options. Reach out to our practice in Auburn, AL to set up a consultation and determine if you can benefit from a hemisection.