A novel approach for restoration of hemisectioned mandibular second molar with modified tunnel restoration: a case report

• Published in: Journal of clinical and diagnostic research Vol. 8; no. 10; pp. ZD07 - ZD09
• Main Authors: Varma K, Madhu, Chittem, Jyothi, Satish R, Kalyan, Kumar M, Sita Rama, Sajjan, Girija S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India JCDR Research and Publications (P) Limited 01.10.2014; JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
• Subjects: Dentistry Section; hemisection; mandibular molars; root canal treatment; tunnel restoration; Root canal treatment; Tunnel restoration; Hemisection; Mandibular molars
• ISSN: 2249-782X; 0973-709X
• DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2014/9519.4955

Hemisection refers to sectioning of a mandibular molar into two halves followed by removal of the diseased root and its coronal portion. Hemisection of a mandibular molar may be a suitable treatment option when the decay is restricted to one root and the other root is healthy. The retained root is endodontically treated and the furcation area is made self-cleansable. Retained tooth structure is restored as premolar which helps to reduce the masticatory load. Hemisection of mandibular molar was often referred to as premolarization. Studies showed that the remaining coronal structure influenced the fracture resistance of endodontically treated maxillary first premolars. Clinical experience showed the viability of tunnel restoration as an alternative to class II conventional cavity preparation in initial proximal lesion. This article discusses a case that presents the novel technique involved in restoration of the remaining hemisected tooth using modified tunnel restoration.