National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

What is the primary purpose of root hemisection?

1. To remove tooth decay

2. To treat periodontal disease

3. To preserve remaining tooth structure

4. To perform a complete tooth extraction

The correct answer is: To preserve remaining tooth structure

The primary purpose of root hemisection is to preserve remaining tooth structure. This procedure is typically performed on multirooted teeth that have developed significant decay or periodontal disease affecting one of the roots. By removing only the affected root while conserving the healthy portion of the tooth, root hemisection allows for the retention of more of the tooth structure than a complete extraction would. This is important as it maintains the integrity of the dental arch and can help avoid issues associated with missing teeth, such as shifting of the remaining teeth and changes to the bite. While managing tooth decay, treating periodontal disease, and complete extraction are all relevant to dental procedures, those options don't specifically highlight the intention behind root hemisection. The procedure's key goal is to enable the preservation of healthy structures, thus maximizing the lifespan of the tooth and maintaining functional and aesthetic benefits for the patient.